Updates on 2023 cases

So far during calendar year 2023 there have been 97 code compliance cases investigated. These cases range from overgrown yards to abandoned homes. Several cases of note include the following:

3806 Walford Street – the homeowner passed away in 2019 and no heirs claimed the property. The home fell into disrepair and unknown people moved onto the property creating a health and safety issue. The property has been cleaned up and the home has been deemed unsafe and will be torn down in the next several months.

3713 Sale Road – the homeowner passed away leaving no one to inherit the property. Due to unpaid property taxes the home has been foreclosed on. However, three people began living in the home resulting in numerous code violations and police calls for service and in general creating a nuisance to the community. This home too was found to be unsafe and through a cooperative effort of the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Code Enforcement the people were relocated, and the home boarded up pending the Sheriffs auction.

Lot on Audrey – vacant lot overgrown, Public Works cut the lot after a resolution was passed by the township under O.R.C. 505.87, a statement of all costs incurred in providing for the abatement was reported to the auditors office.

It should be noted that there are statutory regulations that must be followed before enforcement action can take place. The Walford property took 7 months before the township was presented with a resolution to begin cleanup in conjunction with Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation (COCIC).

The Sale Road property took 9 months before it was foreclosed on by the Franklin County treasures office and the persons living in the home removed.

Having said that most residents voluntarily comply with the notices sent to them about the violations.