Sanitation staff propose redefining 'litter' to include nuisance motor vehicles to streamline enforcement

Jess Foster, sanitation staff, presented proposed revisions to the sanitation ordinance to redefine "litter" to align with North Carolina General Statute section 14‑399 and to add a definition for "nuisance motor vehicle." Foster said the change aims to increase staff efficiency and streamline notices so sanitation can address the full suite of sanitation issues on a property in a single visit rather than involving multiple departments with separate processes.

Foster described the existing multi‑step process (an initial cure opportunity, a 30‑day notice of violation, and then citation proceedings) and said long‑running nuisance properties have sometimes taken years to resolve. She gave examples of properties with long histories of complaints and noted the goal is compliance and working with residents; staff will bring an updated ordinance text and examples to the public meeting and include follow‑up materials for council.