Adopt Resolution #19-121 Approving Code Enforcement Action Plan for 17646 St Francis Blvd NW.  This item was removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered as Item 7.01

The purpose of this case is to confirm the process for Code Enforcement actions at 17646 St Francis Blvd (the "Subject Property"). The City has attempted to work with the property owners and has been threatened with litigation from the Property Owner and the Property Owner has stated that they will not remove the hoop buildings (violation) onsite without being taken to court.

It should be noted that the Owner has complied with many of the original violations. Staff acknowledges the site as viewed from the public road looks considerably improved. However, some of the issues are stored in less visible areas and in unapproved structures. Staff took an extra step in having the City Attorney send correspondence on this topic. 

 

N/A

Alleged Violations Onsite

1. Siding home without a permit [corrected]
2. Exterior completion/building maintenance [garage door falling off, siding completion - corrected]
3. Erection of hoop buildings (2) in rear yard [not an allowed building type]
4. Junk vehicles
5. Nuisance violations - items stored in woods in piles, accumulation of unused materials, construction debris, etc.
6. Off-street parking violations [personal automobiles can't be parked on grass]

Summary of Previous Actions
The City inspected the property on: 

1. July 2, 2018
2. July 24, 2018
3. August 8, 2018
4. August 9, 2018 – This was a scheduled inspection with property owner and Police Officer onsite, was unable to go onto property to complete a full inspection because the property owner wanted Staff and Police Officer to sign waivers
5. September 6, 2018 – Property began to show signs of cleanup; City Staff were allowed onsite but not allowed to take photos; Staff noted the hoop buildings that were recently erected in the rear yard

The City sent formal notices via US Mail on: 

1. July 10, 2018 with a citation for off-street parking, nuisance violations (e.g. toilet in front yard, junk vehicles in rear yard, construction debris, and unused materials), as well as siding being replaced without a permit
2. August 13, 2018 – notified property owner that the City would seek an administrative citation if not allowed a full inspection of the property
3. September 20, 2018 – specifically addressing hoop buildings

The City received letters from the property owner on September 26, 2018 and October 22, 2018. The City corresponded with the applicant via email and has saved copies of said emails.

The City has documented code enforcement cases spanning 11 years on the Subject Property.


Process
That the Ramsey City Council hereby grants approval of the proposed code enforcement action plan on the Subject Property as outlined below, contingent upon verification of any violation(s) of City Code:

1. City Staff is authorized to seek an administrative search warrant to conduct a complete and thorough inspection of the Subject Property and to accurately document any and all violations of City Code. 
2. Upon receipt of said administrative search warrant, City Staff will complete an inspection of the Subject Property to document any and all violations of City Code. 
3. Upon completion of the inspection of the Subject Property, City Staff will send a First Notice of Violation to the owner of the Subject Property outlining any and all City Code violations as well as identifying the necessary corrective actions to be completed within fourteen (14) days.  An Administrative Citation of $250 will accompany the First Notice of Violation. Staff recommends this violation comes from
4. Once the fourteen (14) day timeframe has expired, City Staff will conduct a second inspection of the Subject Property to document any and all City Code violations.
5. If City Code violations are documented, a Second Notice of Violation will be sent to the owner of the Subject Property once again outlining any and all City Code violations as well as identifying the necessary corrective actions to be completed within fourteen (14) days.  An Administrative Citation of $250 will accompany the Notice of Violation.
6. If City Code violations are still present, City Staff shall seek a declaratory action with the District Court with the assistance of the City Attorney.
7. Upon receipt of a declaratory action from District Court, the City will proceed with City Attorney direction moving the case into Civil Prosecution and/or abatement.

Staff handles Code Enforcement as part of regular duties.

Staff rRecommends Adoption of Resolution 19-121 Approving Code Enforcement Action Plan for 17646 St Francis Blvd NW

Motion to Adopt Resolution 19-121 Approving Code Enforcement Action Plan for 17646 St Francis Blvd NW