Correction: Fred Barnett is the code enforcement officer for the city of Columbus. An earlier version of this story had his name incorrect. We apologize for the error.

The city of Columbus has taken the first steps in making it easier to fine those with junked and inoperable vehicles that can be seen from the street. City Council gave initial approval to amend the city’s ordinance dealing with these types of vehicles. Mary Ferdon, the city’s director of administration, says that the amended ordinance cleans up some ambiguous language regarding where these vehicles can be parked and when they constitute a nuisance.

If approved on second reading, city code enforcement officers will be able to “tag” offending vehicles on public property. Currently, Ferdon says that code enforcement must call a city police officer to handle that duty. Code enforcement is also tasked with notifying property owners of offending vehicles in order to have them removed. These notices will be sent to the property owner and not the registered owner of the vehicle. Fred Barnett, with city code enforcement, says that some 70 percent of offending vehicles are on rental property. By making the property owner liable for any potential fines, he says that he believes that will expedite the process for getting inoperable and unlicensed vehicles removed.

Penalties under the ordinance were also discussed. They are as follows:

First offense – $250 fine
Second offense – $500 fine
Third offense – $1,000 fine
Fourth offense – $2,500 fine
Subsequent offenses – $5,000 fine

In an effort to clean up the community and assist residents who may be unable to remove a junk vehicle, the city has announced the Inoperable Vehicle Abatement Program. City officials say that, under the plan, owners of offending vehicles will be able to have them towed away, at no charge. All they would have to do is present the city with proof of ownership and a clear title. The owner would then sign a waiver and the city pays the towing fee. Vehicle owners would receive the full metal value of the scrapped vehicle. This program is set to go into effect on October 1st.