Draft Ordinance - Nuisances

DRAFT............................................................................................................................................................ DRAFT

AN ORDINANCE

AMENDING SECTION 9.80.070 OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SUMMARY ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION SETTING FORTH AN APPEAL PROCEDURE

WHEREAS, the City of Lakewood is a home rule city of the State of Colorado with the authority to regulate the abatement of nuisances in furtherance of the public health and safety; and,

WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the City's current summary abatement procedure in order to clearly set forth an appeal procedure.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Lakewood, Colorado, that:

SECTION 1. Section 9.80.070 of the Lakewood Municipal Code is amended by the addition of a new subsection 9.80.070 C to read as follows:

C. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Chapter 9.80, the collection of abatement costs and method of appeal shall be pursuant to the following procedure:

1. After abatement, the City shall send a Notice and Demand for Payment by certified mail to the last known address of the property owner. The Notice and Demand for Payment shall state the reason for the Notice and Demand, the date that abatement of the property occurred, and the amount of the costs of abatement owed by the property owner.

2. The Notice and Demand for Payment shall state, and it shall be the law, that the property owner may appeal the Notice and Demand for Payment by filing a request for an appeal within fourteen (14) days of mailing of the Notice and Demand for Payment. Requests for appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk. Appeals shall be heard by a hearing officer duly appointed by the City. Appeals from decisions of the hearing officer shall be to Jefferson County District Court.

3. Payment of the amount set forth in the Notice and Demand for Payment shall be made to the City within thirty (30) days of mailing the Notice and Demand for Payment or such time as any appeal reaches final judgment. Failure to pay the amount owed in the time specified shall result in the amount owed being certified to the Treasurer of Jefferson County, and said amount owed shall be collected in the same manner as a real estate tax upon the property. The City may collect said amount in an action at law.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after final publication.

Bob Murphy, Mayor

ATTEST:
Margy Greer, City Clerk

Approved as to form:
City Attorney: