The Loretto Property Maintenance Ordinance

As citizens of the City of Loretto, we come to expect the City to perform certain duties to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city. We expect the City to provide fire protection and police protection for our homes and businesses. But how often do we think about our duties to the City and to our fellow residents?

One aspect of citizenship that is often overlooked is our duty to maintain our property. Did you know that we have a duty to maintain our homes and property so that they are safe and orderly? They don’t necessarily have to be pretty, but they do need to be orderly. An ordinance passed in 2004 sets out a citizen’s duty to maintain his/her property.

Whereas, the health, safety and welfare of the people of Loretto require that property be maintained in such a way as not to constitute a menace to the people of Loretto:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the mayor and Board of Aldermen:

Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him or her to become or remain in filthy condition or permit the use or occupation of same in such a manner as to create noxious or offensive smells and odors in connection therewith, or to allow the accumulation or creation of unwholesome and offensive matter or the breeding of lice, rodents, or other vermin on the premises , to the menace of the public health or the annoyance of people residing within the vicinity

Section 2. Every owner or occupant of property within the corporate limits is required to provide for the orderly maintenance and upkeep of that property. In the event that the city or any agent determines in the sole discretion that the property is being maintained in a manner which may be considered dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the community, the city’s police chief must notify occupant in writing of the violation and give the occupant 30 days to correct the violation.

Section 3. If occupant of the property does not correct the violation they will be summoned into city court by the police department. Penalty for each violation shall be 50.00 dollars per day. Each day of violation shall be deemed a separate offense.

You may not realize that this ordinance is in effect and regulates all property within the City Limits of Loretto. As the city grows and property values increase it is more important than ever that the City enforce this ordinance to protect the property values of our Citizens. Loretto is a thriving community and the we want the best for our citizens.

In the future, the City will be more active in enforcing this ordinance. If you get a letter from the police chief informing you of a perceived violation, contact us at City Hall to find out exactly what the situation is. We will work with you to correct any deficiencies in the maintenance of your property. Working together we can maintain Loretto as the great home it has always been.