At its May 7 meeting, the Buda City Council passed an ordinance declaring offensive odors a nuisance within vity limits, and 5,000 feet outside city limits.
The ordinance regulates what the city calls “unreasonably noxious or strong” odors that drift across property lines. Odors that adversely impact public welfare, property values, the economy, or quality of life are considered a nuisance and in violation of the law.
Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00, with each occurrence being a separate violation.
The following are declared to be offensive odors and health and sanitation nuisances:
1. Chemicals. Offensive odors from the use or possession of chemicals or from industrial processes or activities which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.
2. Smoke. Offensive odors from smoke from the burning of rubbish, trash, rubber, chemical substances or other things or substances which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.
3. Stagnant pools, refuse, and composting. Offensive odors from stagnant pools, rotting garbage, refuse, offal, or composting which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons with ordinarysensibilities.
4. Dead Animals. Offensive odors from dead animals which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons with ordinary sensibilities.
The city says nuisance odors are not limited to the examples above.
