Owensboro, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The city of Owensboro is introducing new regulations to improve property maintenance standards. The amendments include mandatory mowing for undeveloped lots and enforcement measures for stalled construction projects. Following complaints from residents about overgrown properties and unfinished developments, the Board of Commissioners aims to update the Property Maintenance Code to address these issues effectively. The regulations will clarify penalty structures and empower city officials to act on properties in disrepair. Residents hope these changes will enhance community aesthetics and safety.
Owensboro Implements Stricter Property Maintenance Standards
Owensboro officials are taking steps to enhance property maintenance standards within the city by introducing regulations aimed at managing undeveloped lots and stalled construction projects. The changes come in response to ongoing complaints from residents regarding overgrown properties and incomplete developments.
The Board of Commissioners held its first reading of amendments to the Property Maintenance Code on Tuesday, with City Attorney Mark Pfeifer stating that the revisions aim to update outdated references and clarify penalty structures related to property maintenance issues.
City Manager Nate Pagan emphasized that the new mowing provisions would address long-standing concerns involving vacant parcels. Under the amended ordinance, undeveloped lots of two acres or more will be required to be mowed at least three times throughout the growing season. The mowing schedule specifies that lots must be mowed once before the end of May, once between June and August, and again after September 1.
In addition to managing overgrown properties, the proposed regulations will also target stalled construction projects. Previously, the city lacked the necessary language to intervene when homes or commercial developments remain in an incomplete state for extended periods. The new ordinance establishes specific time frames for residential and commercial projects, setting forth that if construction on residential projects stalls for 120 days or on commercial projects for 180 days, the city may designate the site as incomplete and take enforcement actions, including issuing citations.
Pfeifer highlighted that the new regulations provide city officials with the authority to act when properties fall into disrepair due to halted construction work. While enforcement will primarily occur in response to complaints from neighbors, an exception will be made for project owners who can demonstrate legitimate reasons for delays, such as supply chain issues. If these explanations are deemed valid, enforcement actions may be paused.
Additional changes included in the ordinance involve updates to outdated references, the establishment of penalty structures, and clarifications regarding potential nuisances like hoarding, junked vehicles, dangerous structures, and overgrown weeds. The second reading and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for September 16.
The city hopes that these new regulations will not only enhance the overall aesthetics of Owensboro but also address public safety and property value concerns that arise from neglected and stalled developments.
Key Features of the New Ordinance
- Mowing Schedule: Mandatory for undeveloped lots of two acres or more—three mowings per season.
- Stalled Construction: Enforcement actions may occur after 120 days for residential and 180 days for commercial projects.
- Penalty Structures: Clarifications and updates in response to nuisance complaints.
- Enforcement: Primarily based on neighbor complaints, with room for exceptions.
Background Context
Over the last few years, residents of Owensboro have registered numerous complaints about properties that are either overgrown or remain in a state of disrepair due to stalled development. The lack of clear guidelines and penalty structures hampered the city’s ability to address these issues effectively. By amending the Property Maintenance Code, officials aim to create a clearer framework that allows for both enforcement and compliance, ultimately fostering a cleaner, safer community for all residents.
FAQ
What is the new mowing schedule for undeveloped lots in Owensboro?
The new ordinance requires undeveloped lots of two acres or more to be mowed at least three times each growing season: once before the end of May, once between June and August, and once after September 1.
What happens if construction stalls for more than the specified days?
If construction on residential projects stalls for 120 days or on commercial projects for 180 days, the city may designate the site as incomplete and take enforcement actions, including issuing citations.
Will there be exceptions for construction delays?
Yes, there will be exceptions for project owners who can provide legitimate reasons for construction delays, such as supply chain issues. Enforcement may be paused if the explanation is deemed sufficient.
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Additional Resources
- Owensboro Times: City to Crack Down on Overgrown Lots
- Wikipedia: Property Maintenance
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses September 2, 2025
- Google Search: Property Maintenance Regulations
- Owensboro Times: Owensboro Officials Consider Accessory Dwelling Units
- Google Scholar: Property Maintenance Enforcement
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses June 18, 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Maintenance
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses June 3, 2025
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