DEPARTMENT: Office of Historic Preservation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Shanon Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Amending the Vacant Building Registration Pilot Program
SUMMARY:
This item will amend the Ordinance for the 18-month Vacant Building Registration Program to make it a permanent program, adjust program fees, and provide for a fee waiver for well maintained commercial and multifamily properties. Staff will also present policy recommendations for endorsement by City Council. These policy recommendations include a phased expansion plan that will be brought before City Council for consideration prior to the end of the fiscal year. These program changes were shared with City Council at B Session on April 13, 2016, and endorsed by the Neighborhoods & Livability Council Committee at the May 16, 2016, meeting.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Program Overview:
The Vacant Building Registration Program was adopted by City Council as an 18-month pilot program in June 2014. The program became effective on January 1, 2015, and it is now in the seventeenth month of implementation. A vacant building owner must register with the Office of Historic Preservation and is required to maintain the exterior and structure of the building in good condition. The pilot program area covers the Central Business District, the City's local historic districts, all vacant Historic Landmarks, and a half mile buffer around active military bases.
When the City determines a building has been vacant for thirty or more days, a notice is mailed to the property owner alerting them that they have 90 days to register with the Office of Historic Preservation. That registration must include a plan with reasonable timelines to rectify violations of the standard of care. Property owners must pay a registration fee of $250 for a single family home or $750 for all other building types. They also pay a $0.01 per square foot inspection fee (minimum $50). Staff m...
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