What do property maintenance codes mean to me?

Property maintenance codes are intended to secure public safety, health and general welfare of the community.  The City of Franklin has adopted and enforces the International Property Maintenance Code, which governs minimum conditions and responsibilities for maintenance of structures, equipment and exterior property.  The Code provides standards for areas such as sanitation, structural stability, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as general fire safety.

Homeowners and business owners in Franklin have a responsibility to their neighbors to maintain a safe, clean property. A lack of adequate property maintenance can detract from the quality of life for others and lead to public health and safety concerns. Property standards violations can be reported online here.

This section is the primary contact page for all Property Maintenance Violations and for the purpose of securing the public safety, health inquiries. You may also email to request Short Term Vacation Rentals. The City of Franklin Regulations and Maps and the Zoning Districts can also be found here. This division monitors, investigates and reviews Property Maintenance Violations, Short-Term Vacation Rentals, Animal Husbandry compliance, as well as enforcing the City of Franklin Municipal Codes and the International Property Maintenance Codes. This sections works in association with the City of Franklin Business Tax Office in verifying Short-Term Vacation Rentals compliance for all businesses.

• Garbage and Rubbish
• High Grass and Weeds
• Inoperable and/or Unlicensed Motor Vehicles
• Parking on Front Lawn
• Short-Term Vacation Rentals
• Property Maintenance Violations
• Municipal Code Violations

Link - Code of Ordinances

For more info or help please contact:

Ben Onisa
City of Franklin
Neighborhood Resources Supervisor
Franklin, TN 37064
ben.onisa@franklintn.gov
Office: 615-550-6727

Most common property maintenance violations in the City of Franklin

The City of Franklin's Building and Neighborhood Services is responsible for local laws and codes, for the purpose of securing the public safety, health, and general welfare through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation in dwellings, apartment houses, rooming houses, and other buildings.  The local laws include the International Property Maintenance Code, City of Franklin Municipal Code and the City of Franklin Zoning Ordinance.  If necessary, Neighborhood Resource Officers may also issue a citation to Municipal Court for delinquent taxes and nonpayment of bills for City water service.

Comments, complaints and concerns can be directed via our Online Services, by telephone (615)794-7012, in person, email or mail.

Process for Enforcement Actions

Can I have a Rain Barrel?

Garbage and Rubbish

All premises, exterior property and interior of every structure shall be free from accumulation of rubbish or garbage.  Rubbish and garbage shall be disposed of in a clean and sanitary manner by being placed in an approved container.  The owner of the property is responsible for providing approved containers and is responsible for the removal of rubbish and garbage from the property.  Complying with the above conditions should help curtail infestation of rodents, other animals, insects, and rodent harborage.

High Grass and High Weeds

All premises (including the perimeter of vacant lots adjacent to rights-of-way or developed properties) shall be maintained free from weeds, grass and plant growth in excess of twelve (12) inches in height.  This includes all grasses, annual plants and vegetation.  It does not include trees, shrubs or cultivated (loosened or dig soil around growing plants) flowers or gardens.  Keeping the property free of high grass and high weeds will help curb rodent harborage.

Inoperable and/or unlicensed motor vehicle

No inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be kept on any premises and no vehicle shall be on the premises in a state of major disrepair.  Inoperable and unlicensed motor vehicles are attractive nuisances for children and can provide harborage for rodents.  Indicators of an inoperable vehicle are: inoperable under its own power, without one or more wheels, without inflated tires, burned throughout, more than one window broken.

Parking a Motor Vehicle on the lawn

To prevent erosion and stagnant water accumulation, parking motor vehicles on the lawn is not permitted and only on an approved parking pad or driveway.

The basic process for enforcement actions is as follows:

1. Observation of the violation
2. Notice of Violation (NOV) is delivered to the property owner
3. If the violation is not corrected by the due date stated in the N.O.V., then a citation to appear in Municipal Court is issued.  Each day that a violation continues is considered a separate offense and the Municipal Court may levy a fine for each offense.  If the violation is not corrected, the City may be forced to take action to abate the violation by having the rubbish removed, the grass cut, etc. and then take legal action to recover associated costs.

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