Goodbye to Eyesore Commercial Property

A new city ordinance that goes into effect July 1st will give the city authority to make commercial property owners fix any property that is an eyesore. The ordinance was born out of the Southeast Strategy, a large community effort to improve the southeast part of the city. Successful businesses would invest thousands of dollars in their businesses only to find a dilapidated property next door which lowered their property values. In order to be in violation, the non-commercial property must be more than just vacant, it must have physical characteristics in violation of city code. Chipped paint, broken windows and foundation problems are just some of the issues encompassed in the ordinance. The non-commercial code is also mirrored by changes in the residential code which creates uniform enforcement for all property owners. Cindy Joyner, Director of Neighborhood Code Enforcement, says the law is vital for improving the overall health and economic vitality of the city. She also says, as businesses come up to code it will encourage more people to consider bringing their money/business to Fort Wayne. Joyner also emphasized that unlike in the past, Code Enforcement officers will now have more flexibility in setting a schedule with property owners to bring a property up to code. Joyner says the goal is compliance rather than enforcement, and that her office will work with property owners rather than simply to fine them. An appeals committee has been set up. If you have a code violation you would like to report, contact the city at 311, M-F from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.