(A) Vacant properties have the potential to create a host of problems for the community, 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 activity;
(C) Vacant properties represent unrealized economic growth in the city;
(D) Vacant property registrations would 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 he value and security of such properties; and
(F) Enactment of a vacant property registration ordinance is a proper exercise of governmental authority to protect the public health, safety and welfare of city residents and is authorized pursuant to Neb. RS 19-5401 et seq.
(Ord. 895, passed 8-2-2022)