James Howell knows of nuisance properties outside city limits in Sedgwick County that are beyond reach of existing state law.
Howell, a member of the Sedgwick County Commission, urged a Kansas Senate committee Thursday to adopt a bill granting the county authority to order unsafe properties cleaned up and require the property owners to pay the cost.
“It is my belief that a property owner’s right to enjoy their property should not endanger their neighbors’ health, safety or enjoyment of their own property,” he said.
Before senators objected to potential impact of such a law on farmers, Howell confirmed buildings and equipment with agricultural applications would be exempt from Senate Bill 423. That tired 1944 John Deere B tractor and the vintage McCormick-Deering thresher combine behind the barn won’t have to go.
(Read more: State Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
