FEBRUARY 17, 2025|
Photo – Saratoga’s Derelict Vehicle ordinance – Town of Saratoga’s website
A former Saratoga council member has asked the governing body to address derelict vehicles parked in ways that block pedestrian sidewalks in the town.
During the February 4th Saratoga town council meeting, Town Clerk Jennifer Anderson read a letter from former Councilman Jon Nelson. In his letter, Nelson asked the governing body to remove vehicles and other debris blocking rights of way around town. The former councilman pointed to West Elm Avenue, south of the Platte Valley Community Center, as an example of an area affected by this issue.
Clerk Anderson continued reading Nelson’s letter. The former council member demanded that the governing body enforce Saratoga’s existing nuisance code.
Subsection F of chapter 8.08.02 of the Saratoga municipal code, titled Abandoned, Junked, Etc. Vehicles, states that unlicensed, abandoned, or junk vehicles and parts, or remains thereof parked upon private property, public property, public streets, alleys, or rights-of-way are declared to be nuisances.
According to the language in the ordinance, anyone found in violation of the town’s nuisance code will be given an appropriate amount of time to remove the vehicle. Failure to abate the nuisance may result in the town removing the derelict vehicle itself and potentially filing criminal charges, depending on the situation.
Clerk Anderson continued reading Nelson’s letter, in which he wrote that, as a former council member, he understands how difficult it can be to compel someone to remove a nuisance. However, Nelson said the council has the authority to rectify the situation if it so chooses.
Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis said that Public Works Director Emery Penner has begun sending certified letters to violators. Mayor Davis said the council is waiting for legal advice before taking the matter any further.
The Saratoga town council did not provide any additional comments on Nelson’s letter.
