A proposal dubbed "South Hadley Good Neighbor Bylaw" now winding its way through the town government review process calls for $100 fines to owners that habitually fail to take care of their property.
SOUTH HADLEY — A proposal dubbed “South Hadley Good Neighbor Bylaw” now winding its way through the town government review process calls for $100 fines to owners who habitually fail to take care of their property.
The proposed guidelines would regulate three areas: “housekeeping, maintenance and yard.”
South Hadley Building Commissioner Brenda Church submitted a draft of the bylaw proposal to the town administrator and selectboard during last week’s meeting. The board referred the matter to the bylaw review committee.
An owner or property manager “is required to keep the property free from overgrowth. Any growth over 12 inches is considered overgrowth,” a section of the bylaw proposal states.
During the May 21 meeting, officials said enforcement – and assessing the $100 penalty when warranted – would be the duty of the building, public health and public works departments.
They said the police could also issue enforcement tickets.
The bylaw proposal requires removal of “dead, decayed or damaged trees.” It says property owners are responsible for keeping their property “free from garbage and refuse” as well as standing water.
“Remove standing water from your property. Standing water often accumulates in children’s toys,” the bylaw under consideration states. “It may also attract mosquitoes that carry the West Nile and other viruses.”
An ad-hoc panel initially charged with researching whether a bylaw is needed included the police chief, building commissioner and the directors of public works, planning, and public health.