City Commission Approves Changes to Nuisance Abatement Ordinance

It should now be somewhat easier for owners of dilapidated properties in the City of Toccoa to follow the guidelines for making sure those properties are safe.

At their regular meeting Monday night, the Toccoa City Commission voted to approve an amendment to the City’s Nuisance Abatement Ordinance.

City Manager Billy Morse said the City consolidated two sections into one.

According to Morse the consolidation has to do with the rules property owners must follow to make sure the public is protected.

“What we’ve done is eliminate one of those sections, streamlining it and simplifying it,” Morse explained. “It’s all about securing unfit structures; structures designated unfit for human habitation. The owners had two processes they could go through to secure them and protect people like me and you from going in there and getting hurt.”

Another change in the ordinance eliminates the length of time owners have to begin work on a dilapidated property.

“Basically, it will speed up and streamline the enforcement process. Section 13-63 has been reworked so it can be more easily understood and eliminates temporary measures that prolong clean up. That deals with the 12-month process. Folks could just mothball a structure for up to 12-months and do nothing. We have eliminated that. They’ve got to start working on it, at least with a plan of action, immediately,” Morse said.

Morse said there are also a number of punch list items that have to be met in order for property owners to be in compliance with the Nuisance Abatement Code.

“In order to qualify to secure the structure, the building has to be sound, not falling in or caving in,” Morse said. “They must work through the property maintenance code to determine what repairs need to be made so it can be secured. It must be vacant, and it must be posted. All utilities need to be turned off and windows and doors must be covered and secured.”

After reviewing the amendment, Commissioner Gail Fry motioned to approve it with a second from Commissioner Terry Carter who also motioned to waive the second reading.

The Commission then approved the changes unanimously.