What: A vacant and abandoned property ordinance under the nuisance chapter of the municipal code, meant to return long-term vacant properties to use and open a line of communication with owners.
Where it stands: Ordinance 3126 was adopted 5 to 0 on October 19, with two members absent.
Next: Members asked for a one-year review and a work session on how exemptions are used, including probate cases, and for outreach to owners.
Details
A property is vacant if not lawfully occupied for two or more continuous years; new construction is exempt for 24 months; multi-tenant properties qualify when half or more of the space or units are vacant.
Annual fees per building: residential 500, 1,000 and 2,000 dollars for years one, two and three onward; commercial 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000 dollars.
Exemptions (12 months, renewable) cover active permits, foreclosure redemption periods, probate or litigation, listing for sale near market value, and historic properties working with preservation staff. Appeals go to the Community Development Director within 30 days, then district court.
Staff counted about 424 vacant properties with structures and 768 without. City-owned property is included.
The ordinance text sets the for-sale threshold at 115 percent of fair market value; the staff presentation said 130 percent.
Ordinance 3126 (Council Bill 27-010) adopted 5 to 0. Staff presented the definition, fees, exemptions and appeals; members asked for a one-year review of exemptions, clarity on sidewalk gaps next to vacant lots, and outreach to owners.