Sharon Hutson works city code complaints filed with the Community Development Department.

 

     The three most common code violations in Mustang are derelict cars, overgrown grass and trash. Mustang code also covers a wide range of other public hazards or public nuisances. Sharon can be contacted at 376-9873 if you wish to report a code violation or ask if a certain situation is a violation.  You may also email her questions or complaints at shutson@cityofmustang.org.

 

     Once a code violation has been verified, Sharon will speak to the property owner to work out a deadline for the violation to be corrected.

 

     If the property owner cannot be personally contacted, she mails a written notice of the violation. The owner is given a time limit to correct the problem on his own. The time limit is 10 days on grass and trash violations, but usually 48 hours or less for derelict vehicles.

 

     If no mailing address is known for the owner, a notice is posted on the property stating the violation and setting a deadline to correct it.

 

     If the violation continues past the deadline, the City can issue a ticket to appear in municipal court. The municipal judge can issue of fine of up to $500 for code violations.

 

     As an alternative, the City can hire a contractor to mow the property or take whatever other action is needed. A lien is placed on the property to cover the cost of that abatement, plus related expenses.

 

     It normally takes at least two weeks to go through the full process of notifying the property owner and then either contracting to abate a code violation or waiting for the scheduled municipal court date.

 

     City officials understand that someone who complains about a violation on his neighbor’s property wants that violation ended immediately. However, the law requires certain steps before the City can act. This is necessary to protect everyone’s rights.

 

     Again, you may contact Ms. Hutson at 376-9873 or by email at shutson@cityofmustang.org