Property Maintenance

All homeowners in the City of South Milwaukee should be aware of Chapter 21 of the Municipal Code, which addresses property maintenance. In general, the Code requires that all buildings be kept in a reasonably good state of maintenance and repair, and addresses the condition of: 

• Deck
• Doors
• Exterior Walls
• Gutters
• Paint
• Roofs
• Windows

Exterior Property

The Code also addresses exterior property conditions which requires keeping property in a clean and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of debris and refuse, including: 

• Blocks
• Branches
• Bricks
• Logs
• Lumber
• Etc.

Sidewalks, driveways, and lawns, must be kept in good condition. The complete ordinance can be reviewed at City Hall. Generally, offenders of this section of the Code are given 60 day orders to bring property conditions into compliance with the ordinance (unless there is a safety concern which requires compliance in a shorter time frame). 

Citations

Property owners who do not comply are issued a citation to appear in Municipal Court with possible fines. The city issues orders based on complaints received or during inspections of problem areas. The Health and Inspection Departments will be reviewing problems such as alleys, where many property owners neglect garages, fences, and general maintenance. 

Are you a property who would receive compliments on the conditions of your property, or one that neighbors complain about? If you are the offender, bring your property into compliance before complaints arise and orders are issued. Your cooperation makes South Milwaukee a better place to live and adds to our "promising future"