Property Maintenance & Code Enforcement

The Hastings City Council adopted a property maintenance ordinance which provides a practical method to regulate the maintenance and use of existing properties within the City of Hastings.  The purpose of the ordinance is to protect, preserve and promote public health, safety and welfare.

Top Property Code Violations

Property code violations, if left unresolved, can deplete the value of your real estate assets. Penalties incurred can add up over time and small items can become big fines. Here is a list of the top ten to watch out for:

• High Grass and Weeds: Heights exceeding 12 inches are considered excessive. Property owners are usually given 7 days to abate before the municipality will issue a ticket. 

• Nuisance: This is a broad category, ranging from abandoned vehicles to leaving trash receptacles at the curb. It also includes leaving snow/Ice on the public sidewalk and failure to pick up after pets.

• Junk, trash and debris: Appliances, indoor furniture, tires, auto parts, inoperable vehicles, building materials, tree trimmings are a few examples of items that are prohibited from being left in the yard. In some cases, specific disposal procedures must be followed.

• Unmaintained or unsecured swimming pools: Risk of injury or death from unauthorized access occurs whenever pools are not properly secured. Most building standards have specific requirements for fencing and self-locking gates. Stagnant water contributes to mosquito infestation.

• Unkempt landscaping: Removing dead trees and maintaining bushes reduces the risk of injury and property damage. 

• Substandard structures: Detached garages, sheds and decks that are in disrepair or are structurally unsound may require extensive repairs or removal altogether. The services of structural engineers or licensed contractors may be required. Permits are required for demo work and rebuilding.

• Minimum housing standards: These standards cover the overall condition and usability of the property. Violations can occur whenever any part of the structure is not maintained in weather-tight, sound condition or in good repair.

• Open or vacant structure: Property owners should keep the doors and windows of a vacant structure securely closed to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Missing house numbers: Property owners shall affix address identification numbers to the front of the building; so as to be clearly visible at all times from the public street in front of the building when traveling in either direction. Address identification numbers shall be at least 4 inches high, at least 1/2-inch wide and in Arabic numeral form.  The color of the address identification numbers shall contrast with the color of the principal building.
• RV Storage: No more than one currently licensed recreational vehicle/equipment or commercial vehicle/equipment may be parked in a driveway on a residential lot and it must also be 8 feet or less in height.

Enforcement Actions

Those in violation of the ordinance may receive an administrative citation. View the fees for administrative citations.