What is considered a blighted property?
In summary, the City ordinances recognize that if uses or structures or activities cause blight or blighting conditions described in this article are allowed to exist, undesirable neighborhoods and harm to the welfare, health and safety of the public may occur. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any causes of blight or blighting factors upon any property. The following are considered blight:
(1) With the exception of a permitted junkyard or salvage yard, the storage or accumulation of junk or other refuse shall not be kept outside of an enclosed structure. Building materials may be kept outside of an enclosed structure for a maximum of 30 days following the expiration of a building permit for which such material has been acquired. For purposes of this subsection, the term "junk" is defined as any material or substance which does not serve, nor is it intended to serve, any useful purpose or the purpose for which it was originally intended. Junk is considered to include but not be limited to refuse, empty cans, bottles, debris, brush used furniture and appliances, and so forth.
(2) In any area the existence of a structure which, because of fire, wind, natural disaster, or physical deterioration, is no longer suitable as a dwelling, nor useful for any other purpose for which it was intended, is prohibited.
(3) In any area zoned for residential purposes, the existence of a vacant dwelling, garage, or other outbuilding, unless such building is kept securely locked, the windows are kept glazed or neatly boarded up, and is otherwise protected to prevent entrance thereto by vandals, is prohibited.
(4) In any area, the storage of junk automobiles is prohibited. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "junk automobile" shall include any motor vehicle, part of a motor vehicle, or former motor vehicle, stored in the open, which is not currently licensed for use upon the highways of the state and is either:
a. Unusable or inoperable because of lack of or defects in component parts;
b. Unusable or inoperable because of damage from collision, deterioration, or having been cannibalized;
c. Beyond repair and therefore not intended for future use as a motor vehicle; or
d. Being retained on the property for possible use of salvageable parts.

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1. When is a building, plumbing, mechanical or electrical permit required?
2. Can a homeowner do work on their own home?
3. How does one get an electrical permit?
4. How do I obtain a Building Permit?
5. When is a building permit not required?
6. What methods of payment are accepted for permits?
7. What are the required inspections for a Building Permit?
8. Who must have a Residential Contractor’s License?
9. Can I build a shed or detached garage on my property?
10. Where do I find information about my property?
11. How do I locate my property line?
12. Why is my yard marked up with different colors of paint or flags?
13. What is a right of way?
14. What is an easement?
15. Can I build a fence on my property?
16. Can I dig on my own property?
17. What is considered a blighted property?
18. Who is responsible for removal of snow and ice from a public sidewalk?
19. What are some of the most common code violations?