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Code Compliance Programs

Community Service Trash Removal Program
Launched in 2001, the Community Service Trash Removal Program is a valuable and cost effective trash removal resource for Upper Arlington. The program removes debris from areas of the City that are susceptible to littering or windblown trash. Program participants are typically juveniles from Upper Arlington Mayors Court or Franklin County Court convicted of driving, drug, alcohol or burglary offenses. The Division of Code Compliance supervises the individuals who participate in the program. In 2003, 153 hours of community service were logged in removing trash from various intersections, roadways and parks. A special thanks goes to Criminal Justice Administrator Joe Roush who, without his support, this program would not be possible.

Sign Abatement Program
The purpose of the Sign Abatement Program is the removal of illegally displayed signage in City right-of-ways. The program experienced the largest increase since its inception with the impoundment of 822 unlawfully displayed signs in 2003. This is a 57% increase from sign abatement totals in 2002. This increase can be attributed to a rise in illegally displayed business advertisements (153 in 2003 compared to 79 in 2002), illegally displayed garage sale signage (162 in 2003 compared to 81 in 2002) and illegally displayed lost pet signage (376 in 2003 compared to 117 in 2002). Political sign violations significantly dropped from 136 in 2002 to 29 in 2003. This difference can be accredited to a lack of contested political seats during the 2003 campaign.

Grass and Weed Abatement Program
Section 537.05 of the Upper Arlington General Offense Code requires every person owning, having charge of or being in possession of, any property within the City to maintain such property and adjacent right-of-way free from noxious weeds and maintain all grass at a height of twelve inches or less. Upon verification of a violation, the Division of Code Compliance issues written notice to the property owner and/or tenant. A five-day period is provided for correction. In instances of non-compliance, the City is authorized to abate the violation and assess abatement costs to the property taxes as a lien. In 2003, 19 grass/weed work orders were executed by the Parks and Recreation Department at a total cost of $4,500.

Trash and Litter Abatement Program
Section 537.08 of the Upper Arlington General Offense Code requires the exterior of all properties to be maintained free from discarded materials, trash and waste materials. Upon verification of a violation, the Division of Code Compliance issues a written warning to the property owner and/or tenant. A fifteen-day period is provided for correction. The City is authorized to abate instances of non-compliance. Abatement costs are assessed to the property taxes as a lien. In 2003, 8 trash/litter work orders were executed by the Solid Waste Division at a total cost of $1188.

Property Assessment Monitoring Program
Launched in early 2004, the Property Assessment Monitoring Program is a product of several goals and objectives of the Upper Arlington Master Plan. The City is being divided into five districts and one district will be proactively inspected per year. District #1 will be inspected in 2004. Every property will undergo an exterior inspection in order to determine compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance, newly adopted Property Maintenance Code, and portions of the General Offense Code, Streets and Services Code and Building Code. Property owners will be notified of any identified violations and a reasonable time frame will be provided for correcting the offense. A re-inspection will occur in order to determine compliance. This program is an exciting and challenging addition to the Division of Code Compliance.

Code Compliance Division
Development Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5070
Fax: 614-457-6620