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1. What is a Property Maintenance Code?

A Property Maintenance Code is a tool used by governments to improve the condition of properties that have fallen into disrepair. While traditional zoning and nuisance abatement regulations may help in many areas, a Property Maintenance Code regulates building condition and safety. Common examples of property maintenance issues that can be addressed with a Property Maintenance Code include missing siding, gutters hanging off a structure, and the presence of badly peeling paint. Property maintenance regulations enable a community to spur owners to address these issues, for both residential and commercial properties.

2. Why did the Township adopt a Property Maintenance Code?

Key to the preservation of property values and the maintenance of neighborhood integrity and attractiveness is property maintenance. The Township simply had no mechanism to address the issue of building condition and maintenance. Adopting a Property Maintenance Code, in conjunction with existing zoning and nuisance abatement, gives the Township the tools necessary to address these issues.

3. Do other communities have a Property Maintenance Code?

Many other communities in the region have them, especially in cities and villages; however they exist in some of the larger townships in the area.

4. Is the Sugarcreek Township Property Maintenance Code similar to that in other communities?

The township adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is a universal tool for the effective enforcement of property maintenance and housing violations. This code provides for the enforcement of both commercial and residential properties, and is a model code that is used by communities throughout the nation.

5. What are some of the regulations in the Property Maintenance Code?

The intent of Sugarcreek Township’s Property Maintenance Code is to maintain the exterior of properties and building occupancy, and to address those areas not currently covered in the Township’s zoning and nuisance regulations. Typical examples of violations would include the prohibition of boarded up windows, gutters or downspouts that are not secured to a structure, missing siding, shingles falling from roofs, shutters not secured to a home. Less typical violations may include overcrowding, plumbing and heating fixtures not properly maintained, and infestation.

6. Who enforces the Property Maintenance Code, and how does this process occur?

The code is enforced through the Planning and Zoning Department, much like existing zoning and nuisance violations. The township does not seek out violations, but does accept anonymous complaints, as it currently does with the aforementioned regulations. After a complaint is received, a property would be inspected to determine if any property maintenance, zoning, or nuisance violations exist.

7. What happens to properties that are in violation of the Property Maintenance Code?

Properties in violation of the code, like with nuisance and zoning violations, would be notified via mail of the violation and provided with a time frame to make the repairs. We typically ask that the repairs be made in thirty days, or that an owner at least contact the Township during that time period to discuss their repair timeline. Like with other codes, the Township will work with the property owners who need additional time, provided there is progress made on the violation. In situations where no improvements have occurred within the allotted time frame, a 2nd notice would be sent, to be followed (if necessary) by a citation to court. An appeals process also exists through the Township Board of Zoning Appeals (fees do exist for this option), if an owner does not agree with staff’s interpretation of the code. The Township will work with property owners to the greatest extent possible if progress is being made on violation abatement.

8. What about property owners who are on a fixed income or unable to make repairs?

Like with other codes, the Township will attempt to work with owners on a case by case basis. If a financial hardship exists that limits the ability of a property owner to take action, the Township will work with a property owner and other organizations (government, non-profit, and for profit) to seek volunteers to help abate a situation. However, this can only occur with a property owner’s support, and organizations or businesses that are
willing to assist.