What items are prohibited?

The Ordinance describes hazardous conditions on private property as follows:

The Council finds that accumulation on private property of unlicensed, unregistered or inoperable motor vehicles, household furniture, furnishings or appliances, or parts or components thereof, or metal, wood, glass, paper, rubber, concrete, or other material, whether organic or inorganic, can facilitate the growth or spread of noxious weeds, the nesting and breeding of rodents, insects, and harmful bacteria, and be a threat of fire.  The Council also finds that unless such accumulation is stored in a lawfully operated junk yard, housed within a lawfully erected building, or in a container permitted, and the contents disposed of, under provisions of the City Code, it is a source of filth, cause of sickness, and an immediate danger to the health, safety, and welfare of persons and property in the City.  The Council finds that if such unauthorized, unwholesome and dangerous accumulation is permitted to continue to pose such a threat it is a hazardous condition and a nuisance, must be abated, and that this section is adopted to protect the residents of the City and their property and in addition, to protect the residents of the City and their property and, in addition, to protect the rights of persons who may be found in violation of its provisions.  "Accumulation" as that term is used in this paragraph, means prohibited items in any number or amount.

What does that REALLY mean?

It means, don't store old furniture or appliances in your yard.  Keep your yard free of debris such as wood and metal scrap, plastic and paper articles.  Only keep licensed, operable, road-worthy vehicles on your property.  There should also not be snowmobiles in your yard in the summer months.  The lawn should also not closely resemble a jungle.

One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure!

Suppose you were trying to sell your home, but potential buyers were being deterred by the condition of your neighbors' yards?  In order to sell that house, you would probably end up dropping the price substantially, to accommodate for the poor view out the windows.  The Ordinance above protects the property value of your home.  This Ordinance also protects residents against health hazards.  The accumulation of these items can facilitate the growth or spread of noxious weeds, harmful bacteria, plus it can provide a lovely nesting and breeding ground for insects and rodents.

Suppose I want to keep it there?

Upon receipt of complaint, or on it's own findings, the City of Kenyon will issue the property owner a citation, with a deadline to be in compliance with City Code.  Upon expiration of that deadline, a Notice of Hearing on Order to Abate Nuisance will be issued at least twenty days before the date of the hearing.  Upon due notice and processing, the hearing shall be held before the Council and all persons desiring to be heard shall be afforded an opportunity to present evidence.  During the time after the hearing and no later than the next regular meeting, the Council shall decide whether or not the item or circumstance qualifies as a nuisance in violation of the City Code.  If it is found that the property owner is in violation, the Council will then issue an "Order to Abate Nuisance," which includes a deadline for the property owner to be in compliance.

Still not gonna move it?

 If compliance is not met, the City has the authority to enter onto the property and remove items in violation.  Any items of value will be sold locally or in a negotiated sale.  Items of no value will be disposed of in a landfill or other site acceptable to governmental regulatory authority.  If the City abates the nuisance, all costs, sale proceeds deducted, will be certified as a special assessment on the property.