The city finds and declares that:
(A) Vacant properties have the potential to create a host of problems for the city, including a propensity to foster criminal activity, create public health problems, and otherwise diminish quality of life;
(B) Vacant properties have the potential to reduce the value of area properties, increase the risk of property damage through arson and vandalism, and discourage neighborhood stability;
(C) Vacant properties represent unrealized economic growth in the city;
(D) A vacant property registration ordinance will allow the city to discourage property vacancy, maintain unoccupied buildings, provide a database of vacant properties and their owners, and assess fees for the increased public costs associated with vacant properties;
(E) Fees imposed under a vacant property registration ordinance have the potential to benefit the owners of vacant properties by helping to finance additional government services to protect the value and security of such properties; and
(F) Enactment of this vacant property registration subchapter is a proper exercise of the city's authority to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of community residents and a valid regulatory scheme.
(Ord. 2020-822, passed 6-15-2020; Ord. 2021-827, passed 7-19-2021)