In a recent announcement aimed at maintaining the neighborhood aesthetics and property values, the City of Apple Valley is calling on residents to be vigilant about vacant properties. Amidst dropping temperatures, unoccupied homes can become liabilities, leading to costly damage from the winter chill.
According to an alert on the city's website, properties that aren't inhabited can suffer from freeze damage, which can spell trouble not just for the individual property but for the surrounding area as well. As winter approaches, the city underscores the importance of protecting these structures to prevent the kind of damage that a burst water pipe in subzero temperatures can wreak, potentially devaluing the entire neighborhood.
To combat this, Apple Valley city staff are encouraging locals to report any vacant property they come across. With this information, "City Staff to protect vacant properties from major freeze damage" can take "simple measures," as noted on the city's alert. These actions include disconnecting utility services at the property's curb following proper notice and coordinating with real estate professionals and financial institutions to ensure homes are winterized effectively.
Residents who have spotted an unoccupied home are urged to reach out to the Code Enforcement staff by email at [email protected] or call at 952.953.2570. There's also an online reporting tool for ease of access and anonymity, found at the given link above. The collective effort of the City staff and the community aims to safeguard properties throughout the colder months, protecting investments and ensuring neighborhood standards remain high.
