December 23, 2013

Junked, Wrecked and Abandoned Vehicles 

Sec. 38-56. - Definitions.

Junked vehicle means a vehicle that is self-propelled and:

(1)

Does not have lawfully attached to it:

a.

An unexpired license plate; or

b.

A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate; and

(2)

Is:

a.

Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

b.

Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

1.

72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property; or

2.

30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.

Sec. 38-57. - Public nuisance.

A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle that is visible at any time of the year from a public place or public right-of-way:

(1)

Is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public;

(2)

Tends to reduce the value of private property;

(3)

Invites vandalism;

(4)

Creates a fire hazard;

(5)

Is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors;

(6)

Produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of the city; and

(7)

Is a public nuisance.

Sec. 38-58. - Offense.

(b)

An offense under this article is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.00.

December 13, 2013

Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching everything you do? 

On December 4th, I blogged about needing to register your pets. Look what showed up on my water bill Wednesday. Coincidence? 

December 11, 2013

Did you know that since January 2001, the City of Commerce requires all rental units to be inspected annually and all rental units to have a license?

Section 22-373(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate, manage, or maintain a residential rental unit or residential rental property in the city without a current and valid license having been issued for said residential rental unit. Any person owning, operating, managing or maintaining a residential rental unit at more than one location shall obtain a license for each separate location.

Section 22-378(4)

Annually, once each twelve months, the owner, resident manager, or property manager shall make all dwelling units in the residential rental unit available for inspection by the building inspector. The building inspector and the owner, resident manager, or property manager shall agree on a reasonable date and time for each annual inspection. In the event the parties cannot agree on an inspection time said semi-annual inspections shall occur between December 3 and December 15 and between June 15 and June 30 of each year.

The Penalty for Violation: Up to $2000 for each offense
Section 22-380
That any person, firm, corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance or amendment thereto shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction in the municipal court shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $2,000.00 for each offense, and each and every day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Those fines shall be in addition to and accumulative of the provisions for the abatement of a nuisance and the obtaining of injunctive relief.

December 9, 2013

Dogs and Cats


Sec. 10-34. - Limitation on the number of dogs or cats.

It shall be declared a nuisance for any person, owner, or family to harbor or maintain more than five dogs and/or cats, or any combination thereof (over six months of age) in a residence. Keeping or harboring more than five dogs and/or cats, or any combination thereof, constitutes a kennel. This section shall not apply to veterinary clinics, hospitals, or the humane society spay and neuter clinics.

December 4, 2013

Dogs and Cats

Sec. 10-31. - Registration and licensing of dogs and cats.

(a) Required. No owner shall have a dog or cat within the corporate limits of the city when the dog or cat has no valid license and tag issued by the city.