The Environmental Control Office oversees the enforcement of Newton’s property maintenance codes. These codes ensure that neighborhoods within the city are kept safe, sanitary and attractive.

There are several conditions that can be considered violations under City Code. The most common violations are:

• Tall Weeds/Grass
  Properties are considered in violation of this ordinance when their grass exceeds 12 inches in height. Additional conditions such as various noxious weeds, brush, woody vines and fire hazards can be considered violations.
• Inoperable Vehicles
  An inoperable vehicle is any vehicle maintained in a junked, wrecked, dismantled condition, or the absence of a current, displayed registration plate.
• Unkept Premises/Nuisances
  Any condition that exists within the city that cause a health, safety or blighting nuisance.
• Minimum Housing Violations
  These violations consists of conditions, both interior and exterior, that are considered below the minimum housing conditions in the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the City.
• Vehicle Parking on Unpaved Areas
  Off-street parking of motor vehicles is required to be on hard, surfaced areas paved with concrete or asphalt to City Engineering Standard with the exception of graveled areas established prior to 1979.
• Tree Pruning
  Every owner of any tree or woody plant overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of 9 feet above the surface of any sidewalk or driveway and there shall be a clear space of 15 feet above the crown of any street or alley.

Report a Code Violation

To report a possible code violation, contact the Environmental Control Office at 316-284-6023, or use the available online form. All reports are anonymous. 

Code Compliance Process

Once a complaint has been reported, City staff will perform an inspection of the property to determine if an actual violation exists. In the event a violation is identified, the property owner, tenant or property manager will be issued a “Notice of Violation” listing the conditions. Each separate violation carries its own compliance period in which the conditions are to be remedied. Failure to comply with City code within this time period can result in abatement action, fines and charges being filed with Municipal Court.

Code compliance issues can often be avoided by taking advantage of the City of Newton’s bulky item pickup service. You can request this service online or by calling 316-284-6070.

• City Code
• Community Pride Brochure
• The Kansas Landlords and Tenants Act 

Related Questions

Where are my property lines?
The City does not survey property lines. This must be done by a licensed surveyor if existing pins cannot be found.

What are the hours and what can be dumped at the County Transfer Station?
This information can be obtained from the Harvey County Landfill at 316-283-5439.

What are the building regulations in the county?
Questions on projects outside of Newton City limits need to be directed to the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Office at 316-284-6940.

Who owns a particular property?
Questions on property ownership need to be directed to the Harvey County Register of Deeds Office at 316-284-6950.

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