OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — At yesterday’s meeting, Oil City Council unanimously passed the anti-clutter law.

This ordinance to the city’s property maintenance code prohibits certain materials from being stored or placed onto a porch, a patio, a balcony, a patio, or a yard in Oil City.

Residents who allow materials, described as “clutter,” to be stored on their property other than in an enclosed building will be penalized; a time limit on the use of temporary roofing materials is also included in this measure.

Any citizen will be allowed to file a complaint with the city. Then, the code enforcement office will proceed with an inspection, recommendations, and a timeline for compliance. Fines and property liens against the property owners are possible if the property does not meet compliance.

According to sources, there was opposition to this proposed measure at the June 12th meeting, suggesting this addition to the code was creating another unnecessary city regulation.

Some believe that this new law is an infringement on the rights of the citizens of Oil City and question the true goal of the ordinance.

Others are pleased to see this ordinance passed.

Councilman Isaiah Dunham told exploreVenango.com, “The intent of this measure is to benefit the community as a whole. It is not meant to hurt anyone in any fashion.”