City of Dubuque Dealing With Neglected Properties

Dubuque officials are looking to crack down on neglected properties in the city. The Dubuque City Council recently voted unanimously to pass an ordinance amendment that gives the city manager the ability to declare a property a nuisance, a right previously reserved for the City Council. Properties in Dubuque can be declared a nuisance if they are found to be creating conditions that are injurious to the health and safety of tenants or the public. Nuisance properties can be declared if a parcel is found to accumulate waste or refuse, have stagnant water, create conditions for vermin or pests or have improperly operating private sewer or septic systems. Housing and Community Development Director Alexis Steger says giving the city manager the ability to declare a public nuisance would expedite the process, allowing the city to more actively pursue remedying neglected properties.