Lyon Sheriff's Department now in charge of enforcing complaints of excessive refuse

YERINGTON - Complaints regarding a neighbor's accumulating garbage, refuse or junk cars should now be registered with the Lyon County Sheriff's Department.

The sheriff's department assumed the responsibility of enforcing codes specifically dealing with excessive junk on private property Nov. 1. Past monitors of the code have been the planning department and the county administrative assistant.

Sheriff Sid Smith said his officers will work with other county departments helping them enforce codes relating to their specific areas.

"While members of the Sheriff's Department do not have the training or knowledge to enforce other Codes, such as building and zoning violations, we will work with these departments to take enforcement action in the event individuals violating these type of codes are uncooperative with compliance efforts," he said.

Upon receipt of a complaint, a deputy will be dispatched to investigate and if there appears to be a violation the deputy will issue a notify the owner. The property owner will then have 15 days to correct the violation. If no effort is made to correct the violation, a citation will be issued.

If the violation is corrected, the department will maintain a file for a period of two years for reference in the case of future violations. If the violation is not abated the sheriff's department will follow up on the court disposition and ensure compliance with orders of the court.

County codes prohibit a resident keeping more than two unregistered vehicles on his property except in situations where: the vehicles are to be restored or used as a source of parts in conjunction with the operation or maintenance of a fleet of vehicles; the property is used by a licensed dealer, manufacturer, distributor or rebuilder; the property is used as a farm, ranch, mine or repair shop for motor vehicles; or, is a person engaged in restoration of classics or historic vehicles.

It is also illegal to allow the accumulation of vegetable waste, litter, garbage, junk, old car bodies or trailers, filth or refuse of any kind upon private property except when it is temporarily deposited for immediate removal.

Questions may be directed to the Sheriff's Department at 577-5021 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6600.

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Questions may be directed to the Sheriff's Department at 577-5021 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6600.