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 qualify of life;
(B) Vacant properties have the potential to reduce the value of area properties, increase the risk of property damages 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 data base of vacant properties and their owners and assess fees for the increased public costs associated with vacant properties;
(E) Fees imposed under a vacant properties by helping to finance additional government services to protect the value and security of such properties; and
(F) Enactment of the vacant property registration ordinance 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. 970, passed 10-4-2022)