BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Sheriff Gordon Smith said it is rare that property owners don’t comply when informed of a code enforcement complaint, but when that happens, they need a process to resolve the problem.
Joined by Deputy Harvey Ward, his code enforcement officer, and Laura Gapske, who will serve as magistrate during code enforcement hearings, Smith updated the county commission on their progress.
Smith said his office replies to code enforcement complaints, and most people take care of the problem when asked. They’ve worked with neighbors, youth groups and organizations to help when needed. He expects as they do more, they will run into more resistance.
That outlook has led to the updates being made, including recommended fines.
“It’s not that we’re trying to do something new. We’re just trying to update and keep current, live within the laws, and have some teeth as we move forward,” Smith said.
Ward has been working with the county attorney and manager to confirm there are active and enforceable codes for matters like noise complaints, accumulated trash and debris, overgrown and unkempt lawns, junk cars and abandoned equipment, using campers and sheds as residences, and house parties and large gatherings.
When the code enforcement officer follows up on a complaint and finds there is a code violation, a notice of violation will be issued. If the problem persists without at least some progress being made, the property owner would be subject to a citation and fine. If the case advances to a hearing before the magistrate, a running fine could be ordered, which could eventually turn into a lien against the property.
The fines proposed are based on the type of violation as well as whether the property owner complies in a timely manner. For example, accumulated trash could result in a $50 citation on the first visit, $100 on the second visit, and then $10 a day after a third visit. The same schedule applies to overgrown lawns.
For junk cars and equipment on property, the citation is $100 on the first visit, $250 on the second visit and then $50 per day after the third visit.
The fines are steep for using campers or sheds as residences, beginning at $100 per day on the first visit. The fine is $250 per day after the second visit and $500 on the third visit.
The sheriff’s office also wants to regulate unapproved house parties and large gatherings. Failure to pull a permit could lead to a $500 fine. They also want to require groups of a particular size to hire security.
Determining the group size to impose these requirements is proving tricky. The sheriff agreed with Commissioner Chris Dougherty that in Bradford County, a family gathering could easily exceed 50 people.
These are not the groups that cause problems for law enforcement. Smith said it is the surprise events that pop up and shut down streets, disrupting entire neighborhoods and even charging admission to get in. Many of these partiers don’t live in Bradford County. Ward said they’ve had to request backup from other agencies to deal with past problems.
Smith said Ward has a great personality and a knack for solving problems. It’s rare the sheriff hears a complaint, which many times arise from a family squabble.
“We try to resolve those diplomatically,” he said. “We just want everybody to live in peace and harmony, but we have certain expectations.”
It’s one thing to live in the “back 40” where no one sees your accumulated junk, he said. But if you live in a neighborhood with multiple junk cars in your driveway, you’re impacting others and the value of their properties.
The sheriff’s office will continue working on an ordinance to address large gatherings and that will be brought to the commission for approval. A vote on the proposed fines is expected this month.
“I think all of us working together can make a better place for all of us to live,” Smith said.
