Buena Vista moves forward on Citywide clean-up ordinance

Buena Vista City News Release

Junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, unkept lots and unsafe structures will be a thing of the past in the City of Buena Vista. In response to citizen complaints and advise, the city’s newly adopted nuisance and public safety code becomes effective on January, 18th.

Larry Coffey, the city’s new code enforcement officer said, “The goal is to make the city as clean, safe and as pleasant as possible—something we call all be proud of.”

“Most of the property in Buena Vista is well kept,” said Coffey, “but there are exceptions and we are addressing those exceptions one at a time.” If the city receives a complaint or if one is observed by police, the code enforcement officer will make an immediate inspection and meet with the property owner or tenant for remediation of the issue. If the violation is not promptly cleaned up, a summons will be written and the district court judge will hear and rule on the matter. Fines up to $500 per violation can be imposed. Inoperable and unregistered vehicles, however, will receive an immediate summons. “We want unlicensed and inoperable vehicles out of the city,” Coffey said.

Coffey came to the Code Enforcement position with 30 years of service in law enforcement. He was Chief of Post Police at Virginia Military Institute, retiring in May of 2006. He served as Assistant Director of Public Safety at Southern Virginia University until the fall of 2008. Coffey is a sworn law enforcement officer of the City of Buena Vista.

The Nuisances and Public Health and Safety Code Enforcement Ordinance was adopted to promote a safe, healthy and desirable living and working environment throughout the city. It specifically addresses unsightly and unsafe exposed exterior property; inoperable motor vehicles, litter, old tires, dilapidated structures and unkept lots, garbage and rubbish, household appliance and furniture; infestation of insects, vermin and other pests, and weeds in excess of 10 inches tall.

Citizens registering complaints with the city can remain anonymous in the investigation and remediation process. Coffey said, “My plan is to knock on the door, inform and explain the violation to the resident, and depending on their response, issue a summons or develop a plan and opportunity to fix the problem without a fine or going to court.”

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