City Prepping Occupancy Ordinance, Preparing To Crack Down On Nuisance Violations

The Bourbon City Council on Thursday reviewed the first draft of an ordinance that would establish occupancy permits for landlords and Mayor Danny Skaggs said the city will be cracking down on nuisance violations.

Attorney Robert Davis presented to board members the draft, which has been in the works since last October.

Mayor Danny Skaggs proposed the occupancy permits as a way of getting landlords to clean up their properties and perhaps entice better tenants.

Ward 2 Alderman Carl Hammack said he has been questioned by landlords about what the permit would cost, if the landlord would have to pay each time and if there is a time limit on the inspection.

Skaggs said he didn’t believe it was necessary to set a price because the intent is to make properties safer.

Hammack and Ward 1 Alderman Dave Lafferty agreed with waiving a fee.

The board also discussed what to do with landlords who pay the water bill instead of the tenants. Skaggs said that landlords can cycle tenants in and out without notifying city hall, thus bypassing the occupancy check.

“The landlord has to contact the city that someone new has moved in,” Skaggs said. “They can’t keep pushing people in. There are several landlords with water in their name and they can move people in and out without city hall knowing.”

Ward 2 Alderwoman Mary Heywood said some leave the water in their name because they can have the water shut off to a property if the tenants are refusing to leave.

Nuisance Violations

Skaggs has been adamant that the city strictly enforce nuisance violations and he told Davis they will be “bombarding” him with filings this summer.

Hammack said the police department needs to step up enforcement of people parking in their grass, but Skaggs said they have. Davis affirmed that he has been busy filing them.

Skaggs said an officer will soon be monitoring any and all violations, including tall grass, weeds, derelict vehicles, vehicles parked on lawns and more.

“We’re going to start giving out tickets,” Skaggs said, adding that the police department has already issued many warnings.