Recognizing that vacant commercial and residential buildings (hereinafter referred to as "vacant properties") contribute to blight, discourage economic development, hinder appreciation of property values, endanger public health and safety, attract criminal activity, and create fire hazards, it is the responsibility of property owners to prevent vacant properties from becoming a burden to the neighborhood and community and a threat to the public health, safety and welfare. Maintenance of the public health, safety, and welfare thus requires the city to maintain an accurate registration of all vacant properties. Any 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.
(Ord. 730, passed 11-9-2022)