Douglas County enforcing code on unkept properties; Encourages Spring cleaning

Now that Spring is here, Douglas County officials want to remind residents of the basic code requirements for their properties. Not only does keeping care of one's yard and surrounding property help maintain the attractiveness of the area, it also helps reduce fire danger in a very dry year.

“By following the basic codes of Douglas County, not only do we help maintain the livability of the county, but a number of benefits arise as well,” said Patrick Kieva, the new County Code Enforcement Officer. “These include increasing property values, reducing crime, and promoting healthier and safer neighborhoods.”

Kieva and his team will be out reviewing properties, and in order to help the public understand how the Code is enforced, the following are some of the things they will be looking for:

• Garbage – Store your garbage in proper trash receptacles and remove from property on a weekly basis.
• Junk - Store it in your garage or in your rear yard screened with a 6 foot solid fence. Never keep it in the front yard or driveway. Donate it to your favorite charity or church or get rid of it at the local dump.
• Unregistered or junk vehicles (Abandoned Vehicles) – Douglas County considers any unregistered and/or inoperable vehicle to be abandoned whether it is on private property or not. Store them in a garage or in a rear yard with a 6 foot solid fence. Or just remove them altogether.
• Dead grass and weeds (Noxious Vegetation) – Keep your yard mowed below 10 inches. Remove all dead vegetation from your property, including trees. In the dry year we are expecting this can also be considered a fire hazard.

Some other things you can do to keep your neighborhood looking nice:

• Maintain your landscaping including pruning vegetation away from sidewalks and keeping yards free from piles of debris which can harbor rodents and other vermin.
• Repair broken fences, windows, doors, siding and roofs. Recent wind storms caused some severe property damage which must be addressed by property owners.
• Remove garbage cans from the curb as soon as possible after pick-up. Store them out of sight.
• Get to know your neighbors. If they are elderly or need help, lend them a helping hand.

Should you have any questions about the Code or would like to speak to someone regarding code enforcement, please don’t hesitate to contact Senior Code Enforcement Officer Patrick Kieva by phone at 775-782-6214 or by email at pkieva@co.douglas.nv.us.