DALTON GARDENS - Dalton Gardens officials are considering a nuisance ordinance because of an increase in complaints about junk-cluttered residential properties.

The complaints are about accumulated trash, wrecked vehicles, old furniture, garbage and other material.

Officials say the material could pose a risk to public health and safety, degrade the environment, and attract insects and vermin.

"There appears to be an increase in complaints this summer," city planner Cheri Howell said Wednesday.

She said the city is currently investigating six separate residential properties following complaints.

If the issue moves through the planning commission, she said, it could go before the city council this fall, possibly in September.

The city doesn't have a stand-alone nuisance ordinance. A copy of the draft ordinance is on the city's website, www.daltongardens.govoffice.com.

The city's planning commission will take public comment on the proposed ordinance at 6 p.m., Aug. 12, at Dalton Gardens City Hall.