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[COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR] ORDINANCE NO. 260401, AS AMENDED
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
Amending Chapter 56, Code of Ordinances, by repealing Article VI, Registration of vacant properties and foreclosing properties, and enacting a new article of like number and subject matter, including a new Section 56-583, Semiannual fees for chronically vacant nuisance property, vacant commercial property and vacant unimproved property, to expand vacant property registration to unimproved vacant land and vacant commercial property, add required disclosure of plans or intent for vacant property; establish procedures for investigating and identifying chronically vacant nuisance properties and assess a flat semiannual $200.00 fee for chronically vacant nuisance properties; escalating semiannual fees of $500.00 - $1,000.00 for vacant commercial properties, and escalating semiannual fees of $100.00 - $200.00 for vacant unimproved properties; establish financial hardship criteria and waiver procedures for owners unable to pay registration fees; amending Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, Section 2-1722, to update payment provisions for non-installment assessments and special tax bills; and directing the City Manager to report to Council within 180 days.
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WHEREAS, vacant and foreclosing properties often create health and safety hazards, attract vandalism and other criminal activity, lower property values, and impose extra costs on local governments for additional police, fire and other resources; and
WHEREAS, unimproved vacant land can pose many of the same risks as vacant improved properties, including attraction of illegal dumping, criminal activity, and blighting conditions that reduce property values and degrade the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the City has required owners of vacant or foreclosing properties to register those properties with the City pursuant to Chapter 56, Code of O...
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