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While seemingly mundane, a new report from a county task force contains a few important, common-sense ideas designed to crack down on chronic neighborhood eyesores and hazards.

A "Code Enforcement Work Group" spent a year examining the county's regulations and looked at how different agencies work together to handle problems such as crowded houses, clunker cars parked in yards, and that neighbor whose weekend do-it-yourself renovation project drags on way too long.

The group also took on the sticky issue of restricting the parking of large, commercial vehicles along residential streets. Tighter parking regulations were proposed earlier in the year by Michael J. Knapp, the County Council president, and action on his plan was delayed until after this month's release of the task force recommendations.

Left unchecked, these matters over time can be corrosive and harm the quality of life, safety and sense of pride in neighborhoods, especially in those without aggressive homeowner associations that tend to police these matters through other channels.

To start, the council should follow the advice of the task group and stiffen penalties for those who flaunt regulations. Under one recommendation, repeated violations of the county's housing code would be met with a fine of as much as $750 a day, up from a $500 maximum.

There's a recommendation for greater oversight of home-based businesses so that complaints about excessive traffic, parking, noise and signs are addressed quickly, consistently and equitably. (The proposals won't affect "teleworkers" or inhibit an occasional Tupperware party.)

The group's report also urges tighter permit-inspection deadlines so projects, such as outdoor remodeling, don't linger and encourages better use of an online "eReferral" system for authorities to share notes and clarify enforcement responsibilities. Both are reasonable objectives, shouldn't require additional levels of bureaucracy and promise to streamline cases.

One of the most important recommendations — banning parking of some commercial vehicles in neighborhoods — contains a workable compromise with Knapp's proposal. It would allow smaller trucks to stay in residential neighborhoods, under certain conditions. Larger trucks would be sent to commercial and industrial areas, to the parking lots of businesses or depots. Framed as a safety issue, big rigs and buses parked on narrow neighborhood streets are difficult to see around and drive around.

Following time for ample public comment, swift adoption by the council of the task force's recommendations will replenish faith that it is serious about solving the residential parking problem and dealing with code rule-breakers whose actions — or inaction — are beyond minor annoyances and neighborhood eyesores.