Blight Fight
Planning uses building codes to improve the quality of life in El Campo. Below are the types of blight, with a definition, code reference, and what to do to avoid fines.
OVERGROWN LOTS - Section 6.04.002
Overgrown weeds, grass, brush or any vegetation are fire and safety hazards. The property owner/occupant is responsible for maintaining weeds, grass, brush or any vegetation at 12 inches or less. Exceptions include cultivated agricultural crops, hay, cultivated trees, cultivated shrubs, vegetable garden or flowers, and wildflowers.
To avoid fines: Remove any weeds and shrubbery in excess of the legal limit. Maintain property through adequate mowing to keep grass below maximum height permissible under the code.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS - Article 3.03
Dangerous buildings includes those that are dangerous to life, safety, or the general health and welfare of those who occupy such buildings.
To avoid fines: Maintain your property to the building code.
CONDITIONS THAT MAY ATTRACT FLIES, MOSQUITOES OR RODENTS - Section 6.01.033
A property owner may not accumulate garbage, rubbish, rags, tin cans, paper, empty barrels, boxes or other materials which, because of its character, condition or location invite the breeding or collection of flies, mosquitoes or rodents.
To avoid fines: Remove garbage and other materials that may harbor pests.
STAGNANT WATER - Section 6.01.003
Accumulation or collection of stagnant water may become a breeding place for mosquitoes and presents a heath and safety risk.
To avoid fines: Eliminate any holes in the ground or remove containers, including tires that collect water and may promote mosquito breeding.
GARBAGE, RUBBISH AND TRASH - Section 6.01.002
It is the owner's/occupant's responsibility to keep the property free from any garbage, trash or rubbish. Junk, trash, litter and rubbish cannot be deposited or allowed to accumulate on the lot or the street.
To avoid fines: Remove all refuse and place it an approved container. Dispose of all garbage according to the City's solid waste contract.
DISCHARGING RAW SEWAGE - Section 6.01.044
It is the property owner's/occupant's responsibility to provide and maintain, in good condition, connections that discharge sewage from the building to the public sewer system.
To avoid fines: Correct any conditions that have created a discharge.
JUNK MOTOR VEHICLES - Article 8.06
A junk motor vehicle is any vehicle that is self-propelled and (1) displays an expired license plate/registration or does not display a license plate/registration and (2) is wrecked, dismantled or inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours on public property and 30 consecutive days on private property.
Any such vehicle must be screened by completely enclosing or opaquely screening the vehicle. Car covers or traps are not acceptable forms of screening.
To avoid fines: Remove, repair or properly store any such vehicle that cannot move under its own power, or is wrecked, dismantled, discarded or remains continuously inoperable for 30 days.