John Maschman Presents at Iowa League of Cities 2026 Nuisance Abatement Conference
Lamson Dugan & Murray attorney John A. Maschman recently presented at the Iowa League of Cities 2026 Nuisance Abatement Conference in West Des Moines, Iowa.
John’s presentation, “Strategies for Managing Problem Properties,” was delivered to an audience of city officials, city administrators, code enforcement personnel, and city attorneys. The presentation focused on practical strategies Iowa municipalities can use when addressing chronic problem properties, including nuisance properties, dangerous buildings, problem rentals, and repeat-offender properties.
Drawing on his experience advising small cities on nuisance abatement matters, John discussed the importance of building a strong administrative record through inspections, photographs, correspondence, timelines, and consistent documentation. He also emphasized the value of using a layered enforcement strategy rather than relying on a single tool, such as citations or nuisance actions.
The presentation addressed several enforcement options available to municipalities, including municipal infractions, nuisance enforcement, dangerous building proceedings, zoning enforcement, and emergency abatement. John also discussed constitutional considerations, including due process, property rights, administrative searches, and the importance of consistent enforcement procedures.
Problem properties can affect more than a single parcel. They can impact public safety, neighborhood stability, property values, economic development efforts, and residents’ confidence in local government. For many Iowa cities operating with limited resources, John emphasized that effective nuisance abatement often requires a strategic, coordinated approach involving city staff, law enforcement, building officials, public works departments, and legal counsel.
The presentation generated discussion around practical enforcement challenges facing Iowa communities, including absentee landlords, dangerous buildings, and repeat-offender properties.
John is based in LDM’s West Des Moines office and advises municipalities on a variety of government and regulatory matters.
