Council asks legal review of fines for sidewalk shutdowns caused by unsafe property fencing

During discussion of blighted properties, a councilor proposed asking the corporation counsel whether the city may issue fines to property owners who leave sidewalks fenced or otherwise shut for extended periods.

Council Pekkham moved "to send a letter to corporation counsel asking if it would be permissible for property owners who have forced sidewalk shutdowns due to unsafe conditions ... to potentially issue fines after a period of time." The motion was seconded and called for a vote.

Staff said the proposal would require a legal opinion before the council could pursue ordinance language; the council unanimously agreed to ask the corporation counsel to investigate the legal feasibility and report back to the committee.