Residents say proposed codes could be too costly

Dan Kulin

Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

North Las Vegas residents told city officials Thursday that they are worried about how much it might cost them to comply with proposed laws that would require junked cars be kept out of sight and generally keep their properties in good condition.

Some residents also said they believed the proposed laws would encroach upon individuals' rights to do what they want on their property, while others said they were looking forward to the city being able to get rid of blight.

About 25 people, including city staff and City Councilman Robert Eliason, attended the night meeting at City Hall to discuss the proposed laws. Copies of the drafts of the laws were available as were partial copies of the laws with blank spaces for residents to express their concerns and opinions.

Some residents at the meeting said they were concerned the proposed laws would be used to go after homeowners.

"I'm quite concerned how this is structured; you could be cited for cracks in your sidewalk," resident Jim Boren said.

City Community Development Director Jacqueline Hinchman said residents would be given every chance to fix whatever problems they are cited for before being fined.

"It is our intent to get you into compliance ... not to get you into court," Hinchman said.

But some residents said they worried that the cost to comply would be too expensive for some.

Hinchman said there are many programs available through the city to help homeowners pay for part or all of a home improvement. She also said that residents physically unable to do requested repairs would be helped too.

Dean Leavitt, chairman of the city Planning Commission, said even with those programs, he's still concerned some repairs could be too costly for some residents, especially those barely above the income limits for government grants.

But others said they were looking forward to the rules.

"I am ready for those tow trucks to come down my street," resident Linda Kindred said.

Run-down homes and junked cars in people's driveways leave a neighborhood looking ugly and bring down property values, she said.

Police Chief Mark Paresi said that in general the proposed laws would be good for the city, although he said he hasn't fully reviewed the details of the proposed laws yet.

"It clears up issues in a neighborhood over what is acceptable and what can bring it down," Paresi said. "It's about quality of life."

Resident Bob Borgersen said that while the laws are supported in general by many residents, he and others question some of the specific regulations proposed.

For example, Borgesen has said that the regulations about chipped, flaking or peeling paint on a home essentially require a home to be perfect.

Eliason, the only city elected official at the Thursday night meeting, echoed Borgersen's comments.

"The ideas of the ordinances we totally agree with," Eliason said. But, he added, some of the specifics in the proposed laws need to be changed or clarified.

For example, he said the proposed laws could be interpreted to say homeowners could be cited for leaving a car in their driveway for 72 hours, or for even the smallest cracks in a driveway.

"It just needs to be looked at," he said.

Another public meeting on the proposed laws is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane, North Las Vegas. The City Council is expected to revisit the issue during its Jan. 21 meeting.