Administrators in Platte City will seek public comment September 10 on a controversial search-warrant law.

Critics contend the ordinance is arbitrary and does not provide proper protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

City Administrator D.J. Gehrt says the ordinance would replace an old one that Gehrt says is too broad, with too much potential for error.

Missouri courts have held that probable cause is required before zoning officials can gain entry to private property. Gehrt says the new ordinance includes very specific guidelines about what constitutes due process, and would protect the city against claims they did not provide due process.

The Board of Aldermen was scheduled to consider passing the measure at its meeting August 28, but Gehrt says many members of the board were contacted by the public with concerns about the new measure.

The measure was pulled from the full board’s agenda last week and referred to the city’s Public Safety Subcommittee, which will take citizen comment on the matter on Monday, September 10, starting at 6 p.m.

If you’d like to speak at the hearing you may register in advance with Amy Hubbard, city clerk, via email to [email protected].  You may also call her at City Hall at (816) 858-3046.

Gehrt says if you don’t preregister you will be able to make a statement, but will be placed after the speakers who registered in advance.

Gehrt provided us with a pdf copy of the ordinance, along with a cover letter from the city’s lawyer. Download it here.