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TOWN OF WICKENBURG Property Maintenance: The Wickenburg Way JT Stone/ Community Development Specialist September 30th, 2025 • Protect health, safety, community pride • Transition from criminal to civil enforcement • It’s local, aligns with The Wickenburg Way: Responsibility, Respect, and Community • Fulfills commitment to the Strategic Plan of the Town Council • Code Officials issue citations directly when needed 2 Purpose • WHAT IT IS o Weeds, Overgrown vegetation o Inoperable Vehicles o Unsafe structures, or Unsecured o Accumulation of debris, manure, or garbage • WHAT IT’S NOT o Lighting issues: Western Skies o Signs and Banners o Grading Land o Construction issues and Setbacks 3 Property Maintenance Examples • Based on International Property Maintenance Code (2012) • Criminal pathway dominates our enforcement model • Code Officials cannot issue citations directly • Slower compliance, heavier legal process • Higher costs for Town and residents • Not fully aligned with the Wickenburg Way 4 Current System • Local standards tailored for Wickenburg • Civil citations replace criminal defaults • Code Officials empowered to cite directly when needed • Emphasis on education, conversation first • Balanced approach: compliance before punishment • Supports community pride, western heritage 5 New Ordinance 10-5 • Blight – Neglect, decay, visual property disorder • Debris – Junk, trash, discarded unsafe materials • Unsafe Structure – Hazardous, damaged, unsecured building condition • Recidivist – Repeat violator within two years • Abandoned Vehicle – Inoperable, unregistered, unmoved vehicle present • Code Official – Town enforcement lead, designated authority • Abate- Reduce, remove, or fix the violation Key Definitions 6 • Start with education and conversation • Courtesy notice explains violations clearly • Notice of violation warns of possible citation • Civil citations issued directly by officials • Inspection warrants available through court • Recidivists may face misdemeanor charges • Streamlined process: compliance, not punishment 7 Enforcement Pathway • Structures must be sound and safe • No unsecured or boarded-up openings • Exterior surfaces maintained in good repair • Yards free from trash and debris • Landscaping trimmed, safe, and maintained • Vehicles limited, screened, or covered 8 Property Standards • Remove weeds, tumbleweeds, and hazards • No stagnant water or unsafe pools • Graffiti removed promptly • Manage animal waste and manure piles • Prevent pest infestations of unsafe conditions 9 Land & Nuisance Issues • Must remain secured and well maintained • Unsafe structures subject to condemnation • Demolition possible for dangerous buildings as per the Town • Town may abate and lien costs • Emergency action for immediate safety threats • Reinforces western pride in neighborhoods 10 Vacant / Unsafe Properties • Civil citation: $250 first offense • Civil citation: $500 second offense • Direct citations issued by Code Officials • Town may abate and lien a property • Fair, common-sense Wickenburg Way enforcement • Recidivists may face misdemeanor charges 11 Penalties • Protects health, safety, and the community • Preserves western character, rural identity • Streamlined civil approach reduces court burden • Officials empowered with direct enforcement tools • Improves compliance rates and cooperation • Supports balanced and fair enforcement, the Wickenburg Way 12 Impacts • Maintains safety, pride, rural charm • Encourages voluntary action generally before citation • Supports property owners to achieve compliance • Prioritizes dialogue, fairness, mutual respect • Strengthens community trust and responsibility • Reflects values of The Wickenburg Way 13 Summary Points • Commission discussion and community feedback • Recommendation for Approval to the Town Council • Staff works with Town Attorney to create official ordinance • Ordinance returned to Council for adoption • Focus on compliance, not punishment 14 Next Steps Questions? 15