September 3, 2025

Owensboro Implements Stricter Property Maintenance Standards

News Summary

Owensboro officials are enhancing property maintenance standards in response to community complaints about overgrown lots and stalled construction projects. New regulations will mandate mowing schedules for larger undeveloped lots and address incomplete constructions with clear penalties. These measures aim to resolve long-standing neighborhood blight issues and facilitate improved aesthetic values and property standards within the city. The city attorney noted that updated provisions will also clarify outdated nuisances categorized in the existing Property Maintenance Code.

Owensboro officials are taking steps to enhance property maintenance standards in response to ongoing complaints from residents regarding overgrown lots and stalled construction projects. The planned regulations will introduce mandatory mowing schedules for larger undeveloped lots and establish clear penalties for incomplete construction work. The Board of Commissioners has already conducted the first reading of the proposed amendments to the Property Maintenance Code, with a second reading and final vote scheduled for September 16.

City Attorney Mark Pfeifer explained that the revisions aim to clean up outdated references within existing regulations and clarify penalty structures for property maintenance violations. City Manager Nate Pagan emphasized that the new provisions will effectively address long-standing concerns associated with vacant parcels that frequently fall into disrepair.

New Mowing Regulations

The amended ordinance will require all undeveloped parcels of two acres or more to adhere to a strict mowing schedule. Specifically, these properties must be mowed at least three times during the growing season: once before the end of May, once between June and August, and once again after September 1. This mandatory frequency is designed to minimize neighborhood blight caused by overgrown lawns and brush.

Stalled Construction Projects

In addition to lawn maintenance, the new regulations will also target incomplete construction projects that have lingered for extended periods. Previously, the city lacked authority to address partially built homes or commercial properties that remain untouched for months. With the new ordinance, if construction on residential projects is stalled for 120 days or longer, or 180 days for commercial projects, the city may classify the site as incomplete and initiate enforcement actions. This could include issuing citations to property owners.

These measures provide city officials with a more direct tool to intervene when properties become derelict due to halted work. The enforcement of these new rules will primarily be complaint-driven, meaning most citations will arise from concerns reported by neighboring residents.

Considerations for Property Owners

There will be exceptions to these rules for property owners who can demonstrate valid reasons for the delays in their construction projects. Situations such as supply chain issues or other credible challenges may be considered sufficient justifications. If the explanation given is deemed satisfactory, the city may choose to pause enforcement actions.

Additional Changes to the Ordinance

The amended Property Maintenance Code will also include updates to various outdated references related to property nuisances. Some of the key nuisance categories being clarified include:

Hoarding
Junked vehicles
Dangerous structures
Overgrown weeds

These updates are intended to streamline the enforcement process and enhance community standards across Owensboro.

Conclusion

As Owensboro prepares to implement these stricter property maintenance standards, officials are hopeful that the clarity and structure of the new regulations will lead to improved neighborhood aesthetics and property values. The imminent second reading of the ordinance reflects the city’s commitment to addressing the concerns of residents who have voiced their frustrations over these pressing issues.

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