It is the purpose and intent of the Albemarle City Council, through the adoption of this chapter, to establish minimum standards for the maintenance of all vacant commercial and non-residential properties as a mechanism to preserve the integrity of Albemarle's commercial districts from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned and vacant properties and to prevent the appearance of vacancy or neglect on occupied properties. Additionally the town desires to deter crime and theft of materials, to minimize loss of property value to vacant properties and surrounding occupied properties, to reduce the risk of damage from fire, flooding or other hazards, and to promote the comfort, happiness and emotional stability of area residents. The city finds that the presence of properties exhibiting evidence of vacancy pose special risks to the health, safety, and welfare of the community and therefore require heightened regulatory attention. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all non-residential and commercial properties in the city limits of Albemarle.
(Ord. 20-01, passed 1-6-20; Am. Ord. 21-40, passed 9-7-21)