Court Opinion

ID: 3766111
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-06 07:20:35.026137+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:33:19.872731
License: Public Domain

OPINION
{¶ 1} James Reed appeals from his conviction in the Xenia Municipal Court of failing to maintain vegetation, garbage, refuse and other debris constituting a nuisance in violation of Xenia Township Resolution 2001 — 146 and R.C. 505.87.
 {¶ 2} Reed argues in his sole assignment that he was improperly convicted because violations of the township resolution and R.C. 505.87
are not crimes. We agree. *Page 2 
The Township has not favored this Court with an appellate brief in the matter. Resolution 2001-146 provides that if an owner of property fails to remove vegetation, garbage, refuse or other debris, it shall constitute a nuisance and, after due notice to the owner to remove, the Township shall abate the nuisance and charge the expense to the owner on the tax duplicate.
 {¶ 3} R.C. 505.87 contains similar language and is also a civil nuisance abatement statute. It likewise contains no criminal penalty. See R.C. 505.99.
 {¶ 4} The Township amended the township resolution on October 16, 2007 to provide that a violation of the resolution would be a misdemeanor carrying a maximum fine of $500. This amendment, however, could have no application to Reed since he was alleged to have committed the "offense" on January 23, 2006. The Appellant's assignment of error is Sustained. The judgment of the trial court is Reversed.
WOLFF, J., and FAIN, J., concur.
Copies mailed to:
Ronald C. Lewis Patrick J. Conboy Hon. Michael K. Murry *Page 1