Wright City aldermen approved a revised ordinance amending the city’s municipal code to restrict the issuance of permits and licenses for properties with unresolved code violations.

The ordinance adds a provision allowing the city to deny permits or licenses for applicants or properties with unresolved nuisance, zoning, building or business code violations until those issues are corrected and approved by city inspection.

The ordinance was approved by a 3-0 vote at the Jan. 8 board of aldermen meeting. Alderman Don Andrews was absent.

The ordinance also applies to situations where an applicant holds a 50% or greater ownership or controlling interest in another property or entity with unresolved violations or unpaid taxes, fees or utility charges owed to the city. In those cases, the applicant may be required to demonstrate they do not meet that ownership threshold.

If a permit is denied, city officials must provide written notice to the applicant within 16 working hours. The ordinance establishes an appeal process allowing applicants to challenge a denial before the board within 30 days. Decisions by the board may then be appealed to the Warren County Circuit Court

In other news

• An ordinance approving a final record plat for the Serenity Woods subdivision was approved by a 3-0 vote. The development will include 127 residential homes and is located off Westwoods Road between the Carter Canyon subdivision and the Wright City Cemetery.
• The board agreed to purchase a lawn mower for $21,100 from Moscow Mills Lumber. The city will begin taking over mowing services of the parks.
• A contract between the city and American Cleaning Company LLC was unanimously approved. The city will spend $260 a month for the monthly service at city hall.