The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

October 8, 2012

Fayetteville enforces cleanup ordinance

Rule seeks to eliminate old cars, appliances

By C.V. Moore Register-Herald Reporter

FAYETTEVILLE — As the Town of Fayetteville begins enforcing a new abandoned vehicle and household appliance ordinance, Fayetteville’s superintendent is putting residents on notice.

“Basically we are just asking them to clean up their neighborhoods and property,” says Bill Lanham. “We’re asking people to make arrangements to ... help maintain property values throughout the community.

“We’re hoping everyone will keep Fayetteville beautiful by reducing the litter and clutter in our community.”

The ordinance gives the town’s police the power to issue citations to people who store abandoned vehicles, junked vehicles and abandoned or inoperative household appliances on public or private property, other than in an enclosed building.

Specific definitions of each are given in the ordinance. Abandoned household appliances include refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, clothes washers, televisions, air conditioners, mattresses and other items that are not in an enclosed building, a salvage yard or in the possession of a demolisher.

Abandoned motor vehicles are generally any vehicles or major parts of vehicles abandoned on public or private property for over five days.

“If it’s not a currently licensed motor vehicle and it’s out in public, it can be deemed an abandoned vehicle,” says Lanham.

“We’re just letting people know that the police department, when they are out patrolling, will be vigilant and be out there enforcing this new ordinance,” says Lanham.

The consequences of violating the ordinance depend on the type of violation cited by the officer. Fines range from $50 to $25,000.

Lanham says the ordinance was reworded and passed by council because a lot of neighbors were complaining to the town. He says the abandoned machines are problems because they are eyesores and threats to public health.

— E-mail: cmoore@register-herald.com

Text Only
Local News