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TOWN OF WICKENBURG Property Maintenance: The Wickenburg Way JT Stone, Community Development Specialist September 2, 2025 • What is Property Maintenance and Purpose • Code Comparison • Key Definitions and Terminology • Enforcement Process and Responsibilities • Citations & Abatements • Questions, Feedback, and Next Steps Agenda 2 • Preserve public health, safety, and neighborhood integrity • Promote voluntary compliance with basic maintenance standards • It’s local, aligns with The Wickenburg Way: Responsibility, Respect, and Community • Fulfills commitment to the Strategic Plan of the Town Council 3 Purpose & Scope • WHAT IT IS o Weeds, Overgrown vegetation o Inoperable Vehicles o Unsafe structures, or Unsecured o Accumulation of debris, manure, or garbage o Green or Hazardous pools • WHAT IT’S NOT o Lighting issues: Western Skies o Signs and Banners o Grading land o Construction issues and Setbacks Property Maintenance Examples 4 • CURRENT o Criminal Pathway o Less tailored for rural needs o Not adapted to local values o Code official lacks citation authority o Lenient on repeat offenders • PROPOSED o Civil Citation Pathway o Adapted for rural lifestyle o Built for “The Wickenburg Way” o Code official gains citation authority o Recidivists may face criminal charges Code Comparison 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 • Generally, starts with notice, (verbal or written) educate before citing • Offer solutions in the Wickenburg Way • Fix-it period before citation issued, in most cases • Civil citation if problem not resolved or if the violation is health & safety related • Due process in court • Code Official leads respectful enforcement effort • Code Official can obtain “Inspection Warrants” 7 Enforcement Tools • Civil Fine – Starts at $250 • Repeat Violation – $500 • Recidivist – Repeat within two-year window • Misdemeanor – Class 1 for chronic violations • Abatement – Town may remove hazard after notice • Lien – Town costs recovered from property owner Penalties & Abatement ( Proposed) 8 • Generally civil citations issued if voluntary compliance fails • Issued by Code Officials, and or Police • Citation details: violation date, location, ordinance reference, court appearance date • Penalties: $250 for 1st violation, $500 for 2nd in 12 months + abatement orders • We are changing from criminal to civil penalties Civil Citations & Enforcement (Proposed) 9 • 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 10 Summary Points • Continued review and discussions oPlanning and Zoning with public engagement and recommendation to Council oTown Council final review and adoption 11 NEXT STEPS Questions? 12