Urbanna officials consider tweaking clutter ordinances

by Tom Chillemi –

When the Urbanna Town Council meets on Thursday, Oct. 13, it may discuss a proposed ordinance that could replace the town’s existing tall grass and junk ordinances. Officials have said the new ordinance would be easier to enforce.

Town Attorney Andrea Erard told council the General Assembly has tweaked enforcement procedures and has added “clutter” as a nuisance category. The proposed ordinance “is not something entirely new,” said Erard. “It’s just an updated and easier to enforce ordinance.”
At its Sept. 22 meeting, Erard told council the current ordinance is “out of sync” with state law.

She added that in some localities, enforcement is based on complaints and letters to the accused offender usually remedy the situation.

Town Councilor Larry Chowning said he wanted to have a clear definition of “clutter.”
Erard said the town council could insert photos of nuisances in its ordinance and clutter is not usually a big complaint.

“Clutter” is not a matter of appearance, said Erard, but has to do with “health, safety and welfare.”

Town Administrator Garth Wheeler said he’s received complaints from citizens about the vacant gas station on Cross Street and the town staff needs an ordinance that will enable them to respond…