Ashland investor criticizes city code enforcement, says fines hampered residential rehab

Sebastian Joy, who identified himself as living at 3850 Coby Lane and as a local investor, used a five-minute public comment at the March 26 commission meeting to criticize Ashland’s code-enforcement practices. Joy said he bought a condemned Sellers Street property at auction for $3,000 last March, secured master-commissioner deed in September and pulled permits for electrical and plumbing work. “I purchased a property at auction … Paid $3,000 for that particular property. It was condemned when I purchased it,” Joy said. He added that two weeks before the meeting he received a $250 fine without an explanation and that city staff told him the fine was for not doing work during the prior six months despite the permits and ongoing activity.

Joy said the enforcement approach is “a huge impediment for every investor who is coming into town” and urged the commission to use common sense when inspecting active rehab projects. “Use your common sense,” Joy told the commission. He said investors decide whether to build inside the city limits based on how quickly projects move; he contrasted a 10-month build he completed outside the city with the perceived delays for in-city projects.

Commission response and next steps: Mayor asked the city manager to look into the matter and report back, and the city manager acknowledged the request. No formal action or appeal was recorded at the meeting.