Historical October–November 1996 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
A new bill passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed into law by the mayor targets nuisances which cause a substantial interference to the health, safety, welfare, or convenience of city residents.
These could include lewd behavior, excessive noise. or the use of firearms. Police may make arrests or issue summons or residents may collect signatures on a petition.
The petition must contain the signatures of a majority of registered voters or property owners within a radius of 300 feet plus one half of the width of the alleged nuisance property. Petitions are then reviewed by the Excise Commissioner.
In either method, a hearing is held.
The Department of Public Safety appoints a hearing officer who is both a resident of the city and an attorney who has been in practice for two years.
The hearing officer will consider whether the property in question is detrimental to the neighborhood. At the end of the hearing, the officer makes a recommendation. He/she can recommend that the property be closed down for a period of 30 days to one year. Penalties imposed will be not less than $300 and/or 90 days in jail or not less than 50 hours of community service.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October–November 1996.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1996_10.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
