Code violators in Clinton now getting tickets

By Randy Bell

The City of Clinton is trying something new as it cracks down on people with overgrown yards, piles of debris, abandoned vehicles or other types of code violations on their property. It’s handing out tickets, summoning violators to Environmental Court.

Director of Community Development Roy Edwards says, previously, the City would submit affidavits to the court but had trouble notifying the violators.

“A lot of times, they just weren’t being served,” said Edwards.

Now, Edwards’ department is getting some help in trying to make sure violators show up in court.

“If we see [the violator] on-site, my code enforcement officer can go ahead and issue the ticket. If not, the night crew [at the police department] is delivering them for us.”

Edwards says if police are unable to find anyone home, the City will send a certified letter regarding the violation.

“I’m hoping now that we’re going to see a lot more of what code enforcement does end here before the judge.”

Edwards says that should lead to fewer unresolved violations.

“I think you’ll see considerable change on that.”

Clinton’s Environmental Court, according to the City’s website, was established because of “the importance property maintenance issues and code violations have on the quality of life and health of a community.” Having a separate court to handle code violations was aimed at speeding up the process rather than allowing those cases to get bogged down among the criminal matters that come before Municipal Court. Environmental Court meets every two months.