2D. Nuisance Ordinances and Crime-free Housing Policies: How They Work, Who They Harm, and How to Fight Them

Nuisance ordinances and crime-free housing policies purport to discourage crime and promote safety and quality of life within communities. However, recent advocacy and research have revealed that these laws and policies have the opposite effect. These policies discourage residents from reporting and seeking emergency assistance for crimes, including incidents of domestic violence. Nuisance ordinance and crime-free housing policies also have been used in targeted enforcement efforts against communities of color. This workshop will provide an overview of how nuisance ordinances and crime-free housing policies negatively impact groups who have historically experienced housing discrimination and insecurity, such as survivors of domestic violence, people of color, persons experiencing disabilities, and renters. Panelists will discuss using tools such as litigation, policy advocacy, research, and legislation to combat these harmful laws and policies.

2013.04.29 Norristown Verified First Amended Complaint

2014.09.18 Norristown release_and_settlement_agreement_-_fully_executed

2015.07.27 Surprise Complaint

2016.03.21 Surprise release_and_settlement_agreement

2017.04.07 Maplewood_complaint

2018 ACLU and NYCLU More than A Nuisance Report

2018 NLCHP Nuisance Report SPark Excerpt

2018.06.26 Faribault Amended Complaint

2018.08.24 Maplewood Final Settlement Agreement with counterpart sigs and exhibits (1)

AB 2413 Bill Text

AB 2413 Implementation Information Guide_FINALVersion

CANO Report

Cost of Being Crime-Free

HUD Nuisance Ordinance Guidance

Mead PP 2019

Nuisance-Information-Sheet-for-Advocates-2018