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HEALTH AND SANITATION
Chapters:
5.04 Maintenance of Real Property
5.08 Littering
5.12 Solid Waste Disposal
5.16 Hand Distributed Materials
Chapter 5.04
MAINTENANCE OF REAL PROPERTY
Sections:
5.04.01 Unsightly or unsanitary conditions on real property
5.04.02 Vacant lots
5.04.03 Notice required
5.04.04 Notification of unknown real property owner
5.04.05 Duration of notice
5.04.06 Enforcement of lien and collection of costs
5.04.07 Inspections
5.04.08 Requirement to remove debris after disaster
5.04.09 Removal of dangerous trees and limbs
5.04.10 Penalties
5.04.01 Unsightly or unsanitary conditions on real property. All property owners within
Van Buren are required to cut weeds, grass, remove garbage, rubbish and other unsanitary and
unsightly articles and things from their property and to eliminate, fill up or remove stagnant
pools of water or any other unsanitary things, place or condition which might become a breeding
place for mosquitoes, flies and germs harmful to the health of the community.
5.04.02 Vacant lots. Property owners are prohibited from permitting the accumulation of
debris upon vacant lots in Van Buren. It shall be the duty of the property owner to remove all
debris or refuse which is unsightly or which may endanger public health if and when notified by
the Code Enforcement Officer. (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 1.).
5.04.03 Notice required. If the owner or owners of any lot or other real property within
the city, after the giving of seven (7) days notice in writing by the city, shall refuse or neglect to
perform the duties in connection with his or their property as specified in Section 5.04.02,
5.04.04 and 5.12.01, the city is authorized to enter upon the property and have said weeds, rank
grass or other vegetation cut and removed or eliminate any unsanitary and unsightly condition
and the cost shall be charged against the premises and shall constitute a lien thereon.
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5.04.04 Notification of unknown real property owner. hi case the owner of any lot or
other real property is unknown or his whereabouts is not known or is a nonresident of this state, a
copy of the written notice referred to shall be posted upon the premises before any action to
enforce the lien shall be had, the Code Enforcement Officer shall make an affidavit setting out
the facts as to unknown address or whereabouts of nonresidents and service of publication as
now provided for by law against nonresident defendant may be had and an attorney ad litem shall
be appointed to notify the defendant by registered letter addressed to his last known place of
residence if same can be found. (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 2.)
5.04.05 Duration of notice. Said notice to any owner as set out in Section 5.04.03 and
5.04.04 above, shall remain in full force and effect for a period of twelve (12) months and shall
be considered sufficient notice to said owner or owners of other violations occurring on that
owner's lot or other real property within that twelve (12) month period. Any further violations
occurring within the twelve (12) month period on the owner's lot or other real property upon
which notice has been served shall subject the owner to the penalties set out herein.
5.04.06 Enforcement of lien and collection of costs. The lien herein provided for may be
enforced and collected in either one of the following manners:
(a) The lien may be enforced at any time within eighteen (18) months after work has
been done by an action in the Chancery Court; or
(b) The amount of the lien herein provided for may be determined at a hearing before
the City Council held after thirty (30) days' written notice by certified mail to the owner or
owners of the property, if the name and whereabouts of the owner or owners be known, and if the
name of the owner or owners cannot be determined, then after publication of notice of such
hearing in a newspaper having a bona fide circulation in Crawford County for one (1) insertion
per week for four (4) consecutive weeks and the amount so determined at said hearing, plus ten
percent (10 penalty for collection, shall be certified by the City Council to the Crawford
County Tax Collector, and by him placed on the tax books as delinquent taxes, and collected
accordingly, and the amount, less three percentum (3 thereof, when so collected shall be paid
to the City of Van Buren.
STATE LAW REFERENCE -See A.C.A. 14 -54 -901 14 -54 -904;
Hdbk. 15 -1.2 15 -1.5
5.04.07 Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer is specifically charged with the
enforcement of this chapter and he shall make monthly inspection trips and such other trips as
may be necessary throughout the confines of Van Buren and for any unsightly or
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unsanitary condition or conditions that he may find, he will have the Clerk/Treasurer write to the
owner or owners of any lot or other real property stating the date of his inspection, the condition
or conditions that must be corrected and if not corrected within seven (7) days, the
Clerk/Treasurer will take steps to remove, abate or eliminate said condition or conditions and the
cost will constitute a lien on said lot or other real property. (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 3.)
5.04.08 Requirement to remove debris after disaster. if any property owner shall suffer
the loss, either total or partial, of a house by fire or tornado, it shall be the duty of the Code
Enforcement Officer to immediately notify, in writing, the property owner to remove all debris
from the lot. It shall be the duty of the property owner within fifteen (15) days from receipt of
such notice to remove all debris or refuse on said lot. (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 4.)
5.04.09 Removal of dangerous trees and limbs. Property owners shall not permit the
encroachment onto or over another's property, trees or limbs thereof which are diseased or dead
and which because of said state, constitutes a danger to the health or safety of any individual or
poses a threat of damage to the property of another. It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement
Officer to notify, in writing, the property owner to remove said diseased or dead trees or limbs
thereof. It shall be the duty of the property owner within fifteen (15) days from receipt of such
notice to remove the offending trees or limbs thereof. (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 5.)
5.04.10 Penalties. In addition, or as an alternative to the City's authority to levy, enforce
and collect liens against real property as set out in Section 5.04.03 and 5.04.06, if any property
owner shall fail or refuse to correct the offending conditions set forth in Sections 5.04.01,
5.04.02, 5.04.08 and 5.04.09, within the times fixed by this chapter, after receiving such notice
from the Code Enforcement Officer, he shall upon conviction, be fined in the sum of not less
than Twenty -Five Dollars ($25.00) and each day that such property owner refuses to comply
with this chapter after the expiration of the time limit provided, shall be considered a separate
offense. (Ord. No. 4 -1990) (Ord. No. 37 -95, Sec. 6.)
Chapter 5.08
LITTERING
Sections:
5.08.01 Littering illegal
5.08.01 Littering illegal. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, dispose or
otherwise permit to be located upon, in, on, or about any public street, sidewalk, alley or public
thoroughfare or any private or public property adjacent thereto, any litter, refuse, or debris.
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SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
Sections:
5.12.01 Solid Waste Management System implemented
5.12.02 Definitions
5.12.03 Regulation of solid waste
5.12.04 Approved containers
5.12.05 Hazardous wastes
5.12.06 Recyclables
5.12.07 Separation of recyclables
5.12.08 Multi- Family Residential Unit
5.12.09 Placement of containers
5.12.10 Industrial or commercial premises
5.12.1 l Construction and demolition wastes
5.12.12 Accumulation of solid wastes
5.12.13 Franchise
5.12.14 Rates
5.12.15 Operation and oversight
5.12.16 Fine
5.12.17 Monthly rates
5.12.18 Public assistance program
5.12.01 Solid Waste Management System implemented That under the authority of
Arkansas Statutes Annotated Sections 14- 232 -103 and 8 -6 -211, the city of Van Buren hereby
prescribes the following regulations. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 1.)
5.12.02 Definitions
Bulk items All items that may require special handling and management including, but
not limited to: white goods such as refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, freezers, and other
similar domestic appliances; household goods such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, furniture, carpet or
other bulk flooring materials; and /or other materials resulting from do- it- yourself home
improvements. Bulk items must be generated by the customer at the address where they are
collected.
City the city of Van Buren, Arkansas, or its authorized representative
Hazardous waste —Any waste or combination of wastes of a solid, liquid, gaseous or
semi -solid form which, because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics may
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A. cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in
serious irreversible or incapacitating illness; or
B. poses a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment
when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or improperly managed.
Multi Family Residential Unit A premises where multiple separate units for
residential inhabitants are contained within one or more buildings such as a Duplex (2 Units),
Triplex (3 Units), Fourplex (4 Units), and a multiple unit apartment building.
Person Any individual, corporation, company, firm, partnership, association, trust,
institution, occupant, owner's agent, lessor, lessee or tenant.
Premises House, yard, apartment, motel, mobile home, park, dwelling place, hospital,
school, hotel, club, restaurant, shop, church, place of business, manufacturing establishment,
govermnent building, or other private or public building, within the corporate limits of the city.
Recyclables Those materials which can be recovered for reuse in present or reprocessed
form. For the purposes of this ordinance these shall include, but not be limited to, items agreed
upon in the agreement between the Van Buren Municipal Utilities Commission and the
Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm.
Recycling container Container used exclusively for recycling including the city issue
eighteen (18) gallon green containers or other containers that may be approved and designated by
the city in the future.
Residential solid waste Solid waste generated at and resulting from the maintenance
and operation of a residential unit where it is collected, including but not Limited to items that are
acceptable at the disposal facility and do not exceed the container and weight limits of this
ordinance and /or the agreement with a Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm. Residential solid
waste does not include solid waste that, in the opinion of the Residential Solid Waste Disposal
Firm and /or the Van Buren Municipal Utilities could potentially cause harm to the public,
employees, environment, or equipment.
Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm A person, firm, company, or corporation
engaged in the business of removal and disposal of residential solid waste, which has been
granted a franchise or contract by the Van Buren Municipal Utilities Commission and also meets
all federal, state and local licensing requirements.
Residential unit A premises owned, leased, occupied or managed for a residential
purpose in a single family structure.
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Solid waste All putrescible and nonputrescible refuse in solid or semisolid form
including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, street refuse, demolition wastes,
construction wastes, hazardous wastes, trash, debris, refuse matter or vegetable matter from
kitchen, market, or store, paper food containers, and all other solid and semisolid waste materials
resulting from industrial, commercial, agricultural, community, and residential activities.
Solid waste container A commercial container suitable for storage of waste generated
by commercial enterprises and capable of being emptied by mechanical equipment, or a plastic
bag, durable and leak proof, and tied securely, or covered plastic or metal garbage can of
sufficient size and number to hold the solid waste which accumulates on the premises. A
container larger than forty -five (45) gallon capacity shall not be considered an approved
container for residential purposes unless otherwise specified in the agreement with a Residential
Solid Waste Disposal Fine. A cardboard box is not considered an approved container, however
may be set out for residential collection one time, providing that the box and /or boxes and
contents do not exceed the capacity, weight, and number of container limits set by this ordinance
and the agreement with a Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm.
Solid Waste Disposal Firm A person, firm, company or corporation engaged in the
business of removal and disposal of solid waste and also meets all federal, state and local
licensing requirements.
Yard waste Including but not limited to grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree prunings,
pine needles, shrubbery, etc. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 2.)
5.12.03 Regulation of solid waste That the city of Van Buren shall regulate the collection,
storage, transportation, and processing of all solid waste within the city limits of Van Buren,
Arkansas. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 3.)
5.12.04 Approved containers Every person in possession, charge or control of any
premises within the city where solid waste is created or accumulated shall be required to keep a
sufficient number of approved garbage cans, garbage bags, or commercial containers for deposit
of solid waste to prevent the spreading or scattering of such wastes. When it is found that the
storage of such solid waste might become a breeding place for mosquitoes, rodents, flies and
germs harmful to the health of the inhabitants of the community, the city or its agents shall be
empowered to order the owner or person in charge of said premises to remove such solid wastes.
(Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 4.)
5.12.05 Hazardous wastes Certain hazardous and medical wastes, such as those produced
by hospitals and nursing homes should be stored and /or disposed of so as to prevent transmission
of disease or causing of injuries pursuant to state and federal regulations. (Ord. No. 2009 -10,
Sec. 5.)
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5.12.06 Recyclables That each person occupying a residential unit within the city shall
be required to collect, separate and place upon the premises, in an approved solid waste container
all solid waste generated thereon for mandatory collection. No solid waste container weighing
more than fifty (50) pounds, including contents of said container, shall be set out for residential
solid waste collection. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 6.)
5.12.07 Separation of recyclables That each person occupying a residential unit within
the city, shall have the opportunity to separate and place upon the premises, in a recycling
container designated recyclables generated thereon, for collection by a Residential Solid Waste
Disposal Firm. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 7.)
5.12.08 Multi Family Residential Unit That a Multi Family Residential unit may be
added to the mandatory residential solid waste collection program, if agreed upon by the Van
Buren Municipal Utilities, the Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm, and the premises owner.
(Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 8.)
5.12.09 Placement of containers That all containers shall be placed in a safe and
convenient place, either curbside or beside alleys as appropriate, for the purpose of collecting
solid waste and recyclables. However, the placement shall not interfere with the public right -of-
way, pose a health hazard or create a public nuisance. All residential customers shall provide a
safe and convenient entrance to or through the property for the purpose of collection and all
vicious animals shall be either confined or kept restrained at a point where collectors may pick-
up or empty containers without fear of attack. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 9.)
5.12.10 Industrial or commercial premises That every person in possession, charge, or
control of any industrial, commercial or multi family residential premises, within the city, where
solid waste is created or accumulated shall cause to have said solid waste removed a minimum of
once per week or more often if necessary. All solid waste so removed shall be hauled to and
disposed of, at a disposal site which has been approved by the appropriate state agency. (Ord.
No. 2009 -10, Sec. 10.)
5.12.11 Construction and demolition wastes That construction and demolition waste
such as lumber, plaster, roofing material, dirt, stumps, tree trunks, other debris incidental to
construction and demolition, and yard waste shall be removed by the owner of the premises or
the contractor responsible for the accumulation. Dead animals, furniture or items to large for the
solid waste containers are prohibited. The solid waste disposal firms, may, with city approval,
make special arrangements to collect bulk items and /or yard waste. Hazardous waste and solid
waste such as used motor oil, pesticides, paint, lead -acid batteries, waste tires, fertilizers or
chemicals, must be disposed of as provided by regulation of the agencies of the United States
and the state of Arkansas and /or the city pertaining thereto. (Ord. No. 2009 -10, Sec. 11.)
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5.12.12 Accumulation of solid wastes That no person shall be permitted to accumulate
upon their premises, any solid waste or recyclables, except in the appropriate solid waste
containers to be placed upon the premises for pick-up and disposal.(Ord. No. 2009-10, Sec. 12.)
5.12.13 Franchise The City shall grant a franchise, contract, or agreement to a
Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm for the mandatory collection of residential solid waste
and recyclables and shall issue, implement and enforce such regulations as are necessary to
insure quality solid waste and recycling collection service. (Ord. No. 2009-10, Sec. 13.)
5.12.14 Rates That the city shall regulate all rates and fees charged by the residential
solid waste disposal firms, or any monies to which they are entitled by franchise, contract or
agreement under this ordinance, and shall implement and enforce such ordinances and
regulations necessary for the funding of the city's solid waste management system and recycling
program. All such rates, charges or contractual fees shall be on file at the office of the City Clerk
and available for inspection by the public during business hours. (Ord. No. 2009-10, Sec. 14.)
5.12.15 Operation and oversight That the Van Buren Municipal Utilities Commission is
hereby appointed the agent of the City for the residential phase of the solid waste management
system and recycling program, and shall conduct its implementation, operation, oversight; the
negotiation and contracting with a Residential Solid Waste Disposal Firm; and the division of the
City into service areas, and shall have the authority to make such additional rules and regulations
necessary for the same. The Van Buren Municipal Utilities shall be entitled to compensation for
' these duties. Provided, however, that the Van Buren City Council shall have sole authority to
approve rates, charges or contractual fees. (Ord. No. 2009-10, Sec. 15)
5.12.16 Fine That any person who fails, neglects, or refuses to comply with or resists the
enforcement of any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and
shall be fined not less than Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars
($100.00), plus court costs, for each offense. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall
constitute a separate offense. In addition to the above penalty, each violator may be subject to
enforcement procedures authorized under A.C.A. 8-6-211, and also loss of city utilities. (Ord.
No. 2009-10, Sec. 16.)
5.12.17 Monthly rates
A. The monthly rate to be charged for each residential unit as defined in Ordinance
No. 10-2009 or hereinafter amended shall be Fifteen Dollars and Thirty-Two
Cents ($15.32). These charges shall cover, at a minimum, once per week
F residential solid waste and residential curbside recycling collection, the operation
of a recycle drop-off facility, and residential yard waste curbside collection and
drop-off facility (operated by the City of Van Buren Street Department). (Ord.
No. 2020-4, Sec. 1.)
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B. The billing and collection for the residential solid waste management program
shall be performed by the City of Van Buren Municipal Utilities according to its
customary billing and collection procedures and in accordance with the
Agreement between the residential solid waste disposal firm and the City of Van
Buren Municipal Utilities Commission. The City of Van Buren Municipal
Utilities shall deduct the sum of One Dollar and Forty Eight Cents ($1.48) for
each customer for whom a collection was made. (Ord. No. 2020-4, Sec. 2.)
C. The sum of Two Dollars and Twenty-Five Cents ($2.25) for each customer for
whom a collection was made shall be remitted to the City of Van Buren for the
operation of a residential yard waste collection and drop-off program. (Ord. No.
2020-4, Sec. 3.)
D. The remainder of charges collected shall be remitted to the residential solid waste
disposal firm in accordance with the Agreement between the residential solid
waste disposal firm and the City of Van Buren Municipal Utilities Commission.
(Ord. No. 2020-4, Sec. 4.)
5.12.18 Public assistance program The Municipal Utilities Commission is hereby
authorized to maintain a public assistance program for low income families whose annual
income from all sources does not exceed $15,000.00. The rate to be charged this class of
customers shall be (1/2) one half the total residential rate as defined in Section 1 of this ordinance.
(Ord. No. 97-22, Sec. 4.)
CHAPTER 5.16
I
HAND DISTRIBUTED MATERIALS I
Sections:
5.16.01 Public property
5.16.02 Private premises
5.16.03 Vehicles
5.16.04 Penalty
5.16.01 Public property. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or deposit any
commercial or noncommercial handbill or other hand distributed advertisement in or upon any
sidewalk, highway, street, boulevard, alley or other public way or in or upon any public park,
square, public plaza, public recreational area or public building within the city, provided
however, that it shall not be unlawful on any sidewalk, street or any other public place in the city
for any person to hand out or distribute any commercial or noncommercial handbill or other hand
distributed advertisement to any person willing to accept it. (Ord. No. 5-1983, Sec. 1)
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5.16.02 Private premises It shall be unlawful for any person to drop, deposit, or
distribute any commercial or noncommercial handbill or other hand distributed advertisement in
or upon any private premises within the city, except by handing and transmitting any such
handbill or advertisement directly to the owner, occupant or other person then present in or upon
such private premises, or by so placing or depositing said handbill or advertisement so as to
secure and prevent same from being blown or carried about by the elements from any said
premises to other public or private place.
This section does not apply to those commercial or noncommercial handbills or other
hand distributed advertisements which the owner or occupant of the premises has given
permission to be delivered to the owner or occupant of the premises or for which the owner or
occupant of the premises has otherwise contract for, solicited for, or otherwise authorized the
placing or depositing of said handbills or advertisement upon the premises. Nor does it apply to
newspapers. Newspapers being defined for the purpose of this ordinance as: "A publication
usually in sheet form intended for general circulation and published regularly at short intervals,
containing intelligence of current events and news of general interest. (Ord. No. 83 -5, Sec. 2)
5.16.03 Vehicles It shall be unlawful for any person to place or deposit any commercial
or noncommercial handbill or other hand distributed advertisement upon any vehicle not his
own, or in his possession, upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, road, alley within the city
of Van Buren, provided, however, that it shall not be unlawful upon any such street or other
public place for a person to hand out and distribute to the receiver therefore, any handbill to any
occupant of the vehicle that is willing to accept it. (Ord. No. 83 -5, Sec. 3)
5.16.04 Penalty Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this ordinance
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in an
amount not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each violation, or double that sum for
each repetition of such offense or violation, and if the act is continuous in nature, in any sum not
more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each day which the same shall be unlawfully
continued. (Ord. No. 83 -5, Sec. 4)
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