The purpose of this chapter is to protect and preserve the public health, safety, security, and enjoyment of the use of property located within the city of West Des Moines by residents, visitors, and businesses by: a) requiring all residential and commercial property owners or titleholders, including lenders and trustees, to have their vacant, foreclosed properties registered with the city of West Des Moines, if the property registration information has not already been made available to the city of West Des Moines through other means; and b) regulating the security and maintenance of residential and commercial vacant, foreclosed properties to prevent blighted and unsecure residences and buildings. The city council finds that the occurrence of foreclosures may lead to buildings and structures becoming targets for criminal activity. The city council also finds that foreclosed buildings and structures that remain unoccupied for months or even years are more likely to experience multiple violations of the building, fire, housing, and nuisance municipal codes. The city council further finds that vacant and foreclosed properties are likely to negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods and business districts. Based on these findings, the city council has deemed it necessary to enact the following regulations in the city of West Des Moines. (Ord. 1843, 9-21-2009)