Unprecedented Citywide Inspection Targets Blighted North Canton Homes

Due to an increased number of dilapidated or unsightly homes in North Canton, local officials have kicked off a citywide inspection to ensure each and every residence is up to code.

The systematic inspection, which will likely conclude by mid-June, is focused only on the condition of a given home’s exterior, said Eric Bowles, the city’s director of permits and development.

According to Bowles, a home’s roof, gutters, paintjob, porch, windows and garage must not be in a state of disrepair.

“As a result of the recession, we’ve seen a lot of homes that were foreclosed on, said Bowles. “We’ve seen people buy and invest in properties and then not maintain them. These inspections will help to put an end to these violations before they become more widespread.”

Inspectors will also look for potential eyesores, like trash or debris, cars parked in yards, unkempt grass or peeling paint.

If homeowners are found in violation, Bowles will give them 30 days to fix the blighted property; and if the necessary corrections aren’t made, offenders could be cited and sent to the North Canton Mayor’s Court.

Also, if rental homes are in violation, landlords could risk losing the ability to rent out properties until they’re brought up to code. 

“I’m tired of looking at them,” Councilman Doug Foltz, Ward 1, told the Canton Repository. “When one house is substandard, it affects the property values for everyone ... you have people who vote for levies, vote for taxes who moved into the city who expect a decent neighborhood. That’s not asking too much.”