Since taking over as Beardstown's code enforcement officer nearly a year ago, Debbie Large believes the city's appearance is improving.
Large's job is to cite violations of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) of 2012 which was adopted by city officials in the fall of 2014 and replaced the Beardstown Maintenance Codes. The IPMC sets standards for structures and exterior property, requiring owners to ensure their property is in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. Although the IPMC is similar to the city's former maintenance codes, the IPMC holds up better in court, Large said.