Mayor Mitchell Signs Problem Properties Ordinance

After two years and countless amendments, the "Problem Properties" Ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Jon Mitchell Wednesday afternoon.

The law holding landlords responsible for the conduct of their tenants will be in effect immediately.

Despite the changes made by the City Council, Mayor Mitchell believes it will still serve its purpose.

"The essence of this ordinance is that it shifts fees of police response onto landlords after a certain number of acts of bad behavior. It still works, it's still strong, it's still constitutional and I think it's going to work."

After eight valid calls for police services to a location during a 12 month period, the landlord will be issued a fine to cover the cost of police resources.

Landlords will receive a warning after the fifth call.

Some major amendments to the ordinance will offer an appeals process for landlords to fight violations and domestic violence calls will not count towards the total number of calls.