Regular meeting (2016 Draft Nuisance Ordinance)
Event Date: 2024-03-18
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**Executive Summary**
**Overview**
Bingham Township’s Ordinance No. addressing nuisances is designed to define and prohibit certain conditions that may compromise the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. The ordinance provides a detailed framework designed to regulate the maintenance of nuisances and outlines both penalties for offenders and procedures for enforcement. Key nuisances include abandoned and junk vehicles, unsightly outdoor lighting, excessive noise, and deteriorating structures.
**Definitions and General Nuisances**
The ordinance defines specific terms such as “abandoned vehicle,” “blighted structure,” “junk,” and “rubbish” to clarify what constitutes a nuisance. The regulations focus on the safe and aesthetic use of property, detailing acceptable conditions for the storage and disposal of materials, vehicles, and noise standards. Furthermore, it prohibits the keeping of nuisances such as garbage and blighted structures unless they meet specified criteria, emphasizing the township’s commitment to maintaining its rural character and land values.
**Enforcement and Penalties**
Bingham Township designates enforcement officers responsible for issuing citations for municipal civil infractions related to nuisance violations. Each day a violation persists is considered a separate infraction, with penalties including fines of up to $500. The township also reserves the right to take abatement actions if the nuisance is not corrected, allowing the township to recover costs through legal means from the property owners.
**Exemptions and Legal Validity**
The ordinance allows exemptions for specific situations such as emergency vehicles and agricultural operations, recognizing the need for flexibility in enforcing the law. Provisions are in place to ensure that if any part of the ordinance is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable. This approach affirms the township’s commitment to effective governance while safeguarding community integrity.