§ 160-1. Purpose and intent.

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to define a coherent method of addressing the adverse effects on the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of residents arising from properties where illegal activity occurs on a regular basis. Some persons that own or control such properties allow their properties to be used for illegal activity, with the result that these properties have become chronic problem properties in the neighborhood. Chronic problem properties within the Town of Barnstable cause a financial burden by the numerous calls for service to the properties because of the illegal activities that repeatedly occur or exist on such properties. The current provisions of the ordinances relating to noise and disturbing the peace do not provide an adequate tool for abating such chronic problem properties. The Town through its public safety, code enforcement and regulatory agencies is in a unique position to gather data on such properties and to establish an active plan tailored to address the particularized problems and costs posed by specific properties.