According to the city, just over half of the violations, 52 percent, were for tall grass and other overgrown vegetation. Fourteen percent were for garbage and debris, 13 percent were for parking on grass or gravel, 8 percent had to do with accessory structures like sheds, 7 percent were for inoperative or unlicensed vehicles, and 6 percent were for home maintenance issues like broken windows.
At the same time, according to real estate statistics by Sibcy Cline, Fairfield’s home values have been on the rise. In 2012, there were 281 sales with an average value of $138,565. In 2013, there were 369 sales with an an average value of $139,066, and so far this year, there were 336 homes sold for an average of $142,128.
“We just try to give people a heads-up as to things we’re looking for, and I think a lot of people just don’t know that these are violations,” Bachman said.
The city has two approaches in dealing with property maintenance. The reactive approach involves responding to a complaint, and most maintenance issues are fixed by the property owner. The city also has a proactive approach, when the city’s NEAT program goes through neighborhoods to check for conditions. NEAT, which has been ongoing for five years, stands for Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team. It examines more than 2,000 properties annually.
“We spend a lot of time and effort in the property maintenance area. Hopefully we find problems before they become significant blighting issues or significant concerns for a neighborhood,” Bachman said.
The city has a property maintenance hotline, at 513-867-5321.
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