Radford Building Official Chris Childress, left, introduces Property Maintenance Inspector Terry Nicholson, right, to members of Radford City Council and the public at Monday’s council meeting.
Heather Bell
RADFORD – Radford City Council has passed a series of amended ordinances regarding the appearance of properties in the City of Radford, increasing the penalties for violations “constituting a nuisance,” including long grass, debris, litter and inoperable vehicles.
A second violation in 12 months for any individual could possibly carry jail time as a penalty, as it is now considered a first class misdemeanor. Conviction of a first class misdemeanor has up to 12-months incarceration as a potential penalty. At the Feb. 24 city council meeting, Mayor David Horton said the updated ordinances need to have “teeth” to help ensure compliance.
Radford Building Official Chris Childress and Property Maintenance Inspector Terry Nicholson spoke to members of Radford City Council and the public at Monday’s council meeting, saying they want to see problem areas addressed, but also put the utmost priority on working with property owners and residents who violate the code to find a good solution for all involved.
“We are being extra vigilant about working with the folks who have violations,” said Nicholson. “We aren’t being harsh with them.”
Nicholson started his tenure with the city in December and has taken on 94 cases so far. More than 80 of those have been rectified, he said.
“He has really hit the ground running,” said Childress. “But he’s very compassionate and understanding.”
Radford City Manager David Ridpath officially welcomed Nicholson to the city team at Monday’s council meeting,saying he will make a great addition to the staff.
“He comes to us with a great history behind him,” said Ridpath.
Nicholson said he has a combination of experience in construction, building restoration and education.
“This lets me combine all of those and it’s making it really fun,” said Nicholson. “It’s great to be here.”
Nicholson said about 10 percent of the violations he investigates are initiated by citizen complaints and the remaining 90 percent are identified by him, driving around the city.
The ordinances are 1723, 1724 and 1725. Further details can be found online at www.radfordva.gov.
