DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon, Interim Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Absentee Property Owner Registration Program
SUMMARY:
On September 19, 2013, City Council approved an amendment to City Code by adding a new Absentee Property Owner (APO) registration program (Ordinance 2013-09-19-0651) which went into effect on January 1, 2014. The new registration program helps ensure that one- and two-family dwellings owned by absentee property owners are maintained in accordance with the City's health and safety property maintenance codes. An annual $50 registration fee was approved with initial estimates of generating $40,000 annually to cover costs associated with the program.
This briefing will provide an update to City Council regarding the APO registration program, similar programs in other cities, and options for modifications to the existing registration program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
During the FY 2013 Budget Development Process, the code enforcement function was identified as a key priority area during the community budget hearings. Several City Council members expressed their concern about outcomes related to code enforcement policies and strategies. Neighborhood associations also shared specific concerns in light of their respective housing and property maintenance issues.
One concern repeatedly presented by neighborhood associations throughout the City was that residential dwellings owned by absentee property owners (i.e., owners who live outside of Bexar County) tended to have more instances of city code violations. A review of code violation data showed that property owners living outside of San Antonio (absentee property owners) were approximately 30% more likely to have a code violation and 70% more likely to have a lien placed against their property due to non-compliance and nonpayment of the costs incurred by the City in abating the public nuisance conditions. Of these propert...
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