The Perrysburg Township zoning inspector knows he’s not going to win any popularity contests.
Since starting the job in September, J.D. Justus has chased down chickens, researched out-of-town owners of dilapidated car washes, and got an education on an invasive weed.
“I’m used to people yelling,” said the retired police officer, who is 63.
Mr. Justus was a sergeant with the Perrysburg Police Department, and spent 24 years on the Perrysburg Township Zoning Board of Appeals.
“I can pick up zoning laws — I have a pretty good grasp of it, just because I worked with the law,” he said. “It was kind of a natural marriage for me.”
Don’t discount his demeanor either.
Challenges and paperwork don’t rattle Mr. Justus. For example, a closed car wash off U.S. Route 20 near Carronade Drive was recently purchased by a limited liability company based in Alabama — a continuation of LLC leaps, he said.
“The township dealt with the previous company last year, so this is a totally different LLC we’re dealing with,” Mr. Justus said at the June 19 trustees meeting. “It just takes a little bit of time.”
The problem property is choked with weeds and overgrown grass, he said.
If it isn’t addressed, he’ll take the next step.
“We do have some teeth with this, where we can actually put liens on the property,” Mr. Justus said, adding that the property owner could also be fined up to $500 a day. “So we do have options, and we’re starting to use them.”
Most zoning inspection issues don’t go further than a friendly visit by Mr. Justus.
In December, he went to a home that had an RV parked out front — recreational vehicles are not allowed in front driveways after Nov. 1 in the township. The couple was packing for an annual trip to Florida. Mr. Justus said he got the feeling that the husband would have preferred a citation and order to move — instead of his chore of getting the RV ready.
Last fall, Mr. Justus was asked to check out a possible invasive species at a property along the Maumee River.
“That was one where I couldn’t rely on my experience,” he said. “I actually had to get an arborist from Ohio State extension.”
The invasive species was diagnosed as Japanese knotweed, which grows like crazy and can choke out natural vegetation.
“Google it,” Mr. Justus said, shaking his head and chuckling a bit. “It can actually harm the foundation of homes.”
The township has a polished system for making a complaint, he said.
“We don’t take anonymous complaints. We don’t take email complaints. There’s a form on the township website,” he said. “If it’s not in writing, I won’t investigate it. Unless — the one exception is there’s an imminent safety or health risk to the public.”
This could be a barn ready to collapse on the road, Mr. Justus said.
Since starting in September, he said he’s had 160 cases, and a 95 percent closure rate. He works part time, usually three days a week.
“You have to be realistic and reasonable doing this stuff. You can’t just go by the book. You’ve got to listen to people,” Mr. Justus said. “There are times to be firm — and I am pretty firm. But I’ll give anybody a break.”
He credits his team, including Zoning Administrator Kelly Moore, administrative assistant Jamie Slee, and township Administrator Jon Eckel, for helping him learn the job.
The township’s zoning laws are also readily available online, and it’s simple to see what residents need to do if they want a permit for a pool or fence.
“A lot of times people are frustrated; they just don’t know what the law is,” Mr. Justus said. “When you explain it to them, and you work with them ... they realize it’s for the betterment of their property and their home’s value.”
Trustee Bob Mack said Mr. Justus is a true professional.
“It’s not easy to be a code enforcement official,” Mr. Mack said. “I think he does a nice job of being straight with people and being fair with people, but also being stern with people. And that’s a very delicate balance.”
“You’re the right man for the job,” said Trustee Gary Britten.
Most Popular
Comments / 0