City of Brighton - File #: ID-158-15

• File #: ID-158-15
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 6/12/2015
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 8/4/2015
• Title: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AMENDING THE BRIGHTON MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 8-4, GENERAL HEALTH PROVISIONS, AND ARTICLE 8-8, VEGETATION, RUBBISH AND JUNK CONTROL RELATED TO NUISANCES, WEEDS. DANGEROUS TREES, RUBBISH, REFUSE AND JUNK, AND THE ABATEMENT THEREOF; THE ADOPTION OF NEW SECTION 8-4-10. ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS PREMISES, SECTION 8-4-40. RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR INSPECTION, SECTION 8-4-50. RULES AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED BY CITY MANAGER, SECTION 8-4-60 DEFINITIONS, SECTION 8-4-70 VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES AND NUISANCE DECLARED, and ARTICLE 8-6. ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES, ARTICLE 8-8. VEGETATION, RUBBISH AND JUNK CONTROL; AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN RELATION TO THE FOREGOING

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
8/4/2015	1	City Council
7/21/2015	1	City Council

Body
Police Department, Code Enforcement
Reference: Weed, Grass or Brush Growth Unlawful and Section 8 Code revisions

To: Mayor Richard N. McLean and Members of City Council
Through: Manuel Esquibel, City Manager
Prepared By: Micah Acker, Support Services Sergeant
Rex Long, Code Enforcement Officer
Date Prepared: June 1, 2015
BACKGROUND
While reviewing the requirement to have all weeds and grass within the city cut below six inches, we realized several large lots were too big to require the land owners to completely mow. Cutting entire fields would strip them of their natural grasses, cat tails, wild flowers and other vegetation that beautify the landscape, prevent wind erosion and deter prairie dog populations. After consulting with the Parks Department, Code Enforcement and reviewing codes from other municipalities, it is proposed requiring the trimming of 20 feet back from public right of ways and other developed properties. This is sufficient to provide safety for motorists, pedestrians and prevent fire hazards. The 20 foot exception would apply to lots greater than one acre. By providing a realistic and enforceable standard, the entire City would have a more manicured appearance and would be safer. See additional information under "Large Parcel Maintenance."

During the review of the weed ordinances, it was determined several of the other ordinances in section 8 were outdated and did not address current issues. The City Attorney assisted in rewriting 27 ordinances. They covered several areas including: definitions, authority given to the City Manager, Building Official and Fire Marshal to identify and address safety hazards, landscaping, and expectations regarding trash containers. The following is a list of the updated ordinances:
1. Abatement of unsanitary or dangerous premises; nuisance
2. Right of entry for inspection; notice to correct condition
3. Rules and regulations established by City Manager
4. Definitions
5. Violations...