Owensboro, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Owensboro officials are set to introduce stricter property maintenance codes aimed at addressing concerns over neglected and unfinished properties. The amendments propose mandatory mowing schedules for undeveloped lots and penalties for stalled construction projects. These changes are a response to community complaints about visual blight and safety hazards in neighborhoods. A second reading and final vote on these regulations is scheduled for September 16.
Owensboro officials are preparing to implement stricter property maintenance standards aimed at addressing community concerns over overgrown properties and unfinished construction projects. The Board of Commissioners has conducted the first reading of amendments to the Property Maintenance Code, which will establish new regulations to improve the appearance and safety of residential and commercial areas throughout the city.
The proposed amendments include mandatory mowing schedules for large undeveloped lots and clear penalties for stalled construction projects. This initiative is a direct response to years of complaints from residents regarding properties that have fallen into disrepair, especially those that are incomplete or inadequately maintained.
City Attorney Mark Pfeifer explained that the revisions would clean up outdated references within the law and clarify the structures for penalties associated with property maintenance violations. City Manager Nate Pagan also noted that the new mowing provision specifically addresses long-standing issues with vacant parcels that contribute to visual blight in neighborhoods.
Under the amended ordinance, undeveloped parcels of two acres or more will be required to be mowed a minimum of three times per season. The specific requirements state that these lots must be mowed at least once before the end of May, once between June and August, and again after September 1 to maintain compliance.
Additionally, the ordinance will tackle issues related to incomplete construction projects. Until now, the city did not have adequate regulations to handle homes or commercial developments that remained stagnant for extended periods. The new parameters will allow city officials to take action if construction on:
- Residential projects stalls for 120 days
- Commercial projects stalls for 180 days
In cases of extended inactivity, the city may designate the site as incomplete and initiate enforcement actions, which could include issuing citations to property owners. The new regulations provide city officials with a clearer framework to intervene when properties fall into disrepair due to stalled construction.
Enforcement of these new rules will primarily be driven by complaints from neighbors. Most citations are expected to arise out of individual frustrations about adjacent properties. However, an exception is made for project owners who can demonstrate valid reasons for construction delays, such as supply chain issues. If deemed sufficient, such explanations may lead to a pause in enforcement actions.
Alongside the new mowing and construction guidelines, additional updates to the ordinance will include clarifications regarding nuisances such as:
- Hoarding
- Junked vehicles
- Dangerous structures
- Overgrown weeds
A second reading and final vote on the amended ordinance is scheduled for September 16, and if passed, these new regulations are expected to contribute to the overall enhancement of property maintenance standards in Owensboro, ensuring a cleaner and safer community environment.
FAQ
1. What are the new mowing requirements for undeveloped properties in Owensboro?
Undeveloped parcels of two acres or more must be mowed at least three times during the growing season: once before the end of May, once between June and August, and once after September 1.
2. What penalties are imposed for stalled construction projects?
If construction on residential projects stalls for over 120 days or on commercial projects for over 180 days, the city may classify the site as incomplete and issue citations.
3. How will the ordinance be enforced?
Enforcement will be complaint-driven, primarily responding to concerns raised by neighboring residents about property conditions.
4. Are there exceptions for project owners facing delays?
Yes, if project owners provide valid reasons for delays, such as supply chain issues, enforcement actions may be paused.
5. When will the final vote on the ordinance take place?
The final vote on the amended ordinance is scheduled for September 16.
Key Features of the New Property Maintenance Standards
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mowing Schedule | Mandatory mowing for undeveloped lots (2 acres+): 3 times per season |
| Enforcement of Stalled Construction | Penalties for projects stalled >120 days (residential) or >180 days (commercial) |
| Types of Nuisances Addressed | Hoarding, junked vehicles, dangerous structures, overgrown weeds |
| Complaint-Driven Changes | Primarily based on neighbor complaints |
| Final Vote Date | September 16 |
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Additional Resources
- Owensboro Times: City to Crack Down on Overgrown Lots
- Wikipedia: Property Maintenance
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses September 2, 2025
- Google Search: Property Maintenance Regulations
- Owensboro Times: Owensboro Officials Consider Accessory Dwelling Units
- Google Scholar: Property Maintenance Enforcement
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses June 18, 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Maintenance
- Owensboro Times: Business Licenses June 3, 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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