Warsaw Code Enforcement Officer Dana Hewitt poses in his office. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — With warm weather returning, Warsaw City Code Enforcement Officer Dana Hewitt shared reminders on several ordinances and resources.

“Our city ordinances during this time of the season are important, because of the nice weather,” said Hewitt. “Things start to bloom and grow, (such as in) as our yard and surrounding properties.”

Yard Work, Garbage And Renovations

Hewitt spoke of Environmental Nuisance Chapter 38-31, which falls under solid waste. According to Warsaw’s ordinances, grass and weeds that are over nine inches tall must be cut.

Hewitt explained that cutting tall grass and weeds not only is for aesthetics, but discourages animals that like to hide in tall grass. He shared an example where he went to a house to inform them their grass needed cut, and a snake “slithered away that was in the grass.”

Hewitt also shared that grass clippings aren’t allowed to be blown into the streets. One concern is that grass clippings can clog storm drains. Grass clippings are also a slipping hazard for cyclists and bikers.

Hewitt said that grass, leaves and tree clippings can be placed into yard waste bags and picked up alongside trash on regularly scheduled trash pick up days. Free bags are available from the City of Warsaw Street Department, which can be reached at (574) 372-9651 for inquiries and questions.

Trash collection was another topic Hewitt highlighted. He explained that General Nuisance Chapter 31-22, which covers “piles of trash, garbage and refuge,” states items that are stored outside and not being taken care of can become unsightly, fall under the ordinance.

“So we just ask that if you have items that meet the criteria for trash/garbage, to get those taken away,” Hewitt said.

Large items, such as old mattresses, can be collected by the Street Department. Hewitt said that the Street Department can answer questions about what can and cannot be picked up.

Before doing work to a house, such as electrical or plumbing, Hewitt encouraged people to get a permit, which can be done online at warsaw.in.gov, and to call the Building Department at (574) 372-9548 with any questions.

“It’s always good to ask questions before you start to build,” said Hewitt.

Signs, Yard Sales

Hewitt also clarified the city’s sign ordinance. According to Ordinance 13.4, signs are prohibited from being placed on or attached to sidewalks, trees, curbs, hydrants, lampposts, barricades, temporary walkways, utility poles and public or privately owned fences.

Signs are not allowed on city-owned property because Warsaw cannot favor one business over another, Hewitt said.

Hewitt provided the example of garage sale signs posted on utility poles. According to Hewitt, garage sale signs are often left up until they fall off or someone else takes them down. Warsaw’s garage sales ordinance states that only four sales are allowed per calendar year. Hewitt explained that the ordinance is to discourage home businesses where it is prohibited by zoning.

Hewitt explained that items for a garage sale need to be taken out of sight after a sale day ends, such as into a garage and not left outside with a tarp. Residents can host a garage sale for three days in a row, then must wait eight weeks until they can hold another sale at the same location.

Signs for businesses or events are also not allowed off site, Hewitt said. For businesses, such as house washing, that don’t have a permanent address, permits are provided for temporary advertising at a person’s residence. Signs for contractors doing work to a house are allowed during the process and four days after the completion of work and don’t require a permit, Hewitt said.

Hewitt clarified that political signs are allowed in yards without a permit, per the state of Indiana’s code.

Vehicle Ordinance

Hewitt also discussed Chapter 74, which covers vehicles and states that abandoning vehicles on a property is prohibited. A vehicle is considered abandoned if it has sat in the same spot for 14 days, even if it is has an up-to-date license and it is not parked on a driveway or asphalt, or on public street parking. Parking vehicles on grass can lead to fluids leaking from vehicles and entering groundwater, Hewitt said.

Hewitt also shared that vehicles parked on the public street must be moved within 72 hours.

“A lot of times I’ll come across vehicles with flat tires, expired license plates,” Hewitt said. “Our street sweepers have gone around it for a long time. So it’s (an) accumulation of some natural debris that collects around the vehicle.”

“Neighbors Serving Neighbors”

Hewitt shared that during his eight years with Code Enforcement he’s often been told by people that a vehicle in violation of a ordinance, “well, that’s my property.”

“That’s correct, but your property is inside the city limits of Warsaw, which is governed by municipal codes,” said Hewitt. “So we respect people’s rights to property. It’s just our city codes kind of dictate how a property is maintained, because it’s a reflection off of their neighbors, and property values.”

Hewitt shared the example that if a neighbor is attempting to sell a house and another property is not maintained, it can have a negative impact on their property value.

“So we always like to say that the city of Warsaw is neighbors serving neighbors,” said Hewitt. “We’re all in this together and we work to try and make Warsaw a more beautiful and safe place to live.”

Hewitt said that the Code Enforcement Office provides 10 days for compliance with ordinances, or people may have to attend a code hearing meeting.

If a person’s situation doesn’t allow them to finish within 10 days, he said the department is willing to work with people, including to place them in contact with resources. Hewitt encouraged people with ordinance violations to keep open communication and that people are free to call him at (574) 385-2068.