Council adopts new vacant-building registration ordinance after debate on enforcement and owner assistance

The Cincinnati City Council voted to adopt a new vacant-building registration ordinance that requires owners of long-term vacant properties to register with the city and maintain a basic upkeep plan. Proponents said the program will allow the city to identify problem properties earlier and to offer targeted assistance rather than relying solely on higher-fee enforcement under the city's existing vacant-building maintenance rules.

Supporters described the ordinance as a proactive step to reduce blight and public-safety risks. "There are about 2,800 properties in the gap that need a more proactive approach," Council member Jeffries said, arguing the registration is a fairness measure for neighbors who maintain their property. Jeffries said the city spends about $8.5 million a year responding to vacancy-related problems and that a registration program could reduce that cost and free resources for other priorities.

Opponents warned the program could unfairly burden small, local owners and said enforcement capacity is the real obstacle. Council member Walsh and others said the city needs more inspectors and that existing programs, notably the vacant-building maintenance licensing (VBML) program, have shown results if adequately staffed. "We don't have enough enforcement officers," Walsh said, adding that hiring and training would take time and that the ordinance will not begin for 12 months to allow administration planning.

Vice Mayor Kearney and other council members urged that the city use the registration as a pathway to assist local owners — for example, with low- or no-interest loans targeted to Cincinnati residents to make repairs and preserve ownership — rather than a mechanism that leads to property loss for small owners.

The ordinance requires registration when a property meets vacancy criteria (for example, water service disconnected for at least six months) and sets a recurring $250 registration/inspection fee; the ordinance contains graduated penalties and a timeline for enforcement. The administration requested a 12-month delay before enforcement to allow staff training and system setup.

The ordinance passed on roll call. Vote: yes — Council members Jeffries, Nolan, Owens, Albee, Kramer Ding; no — Vice Mayor Kearney, Council members Parks and Walsh. Council members who supported the measure said the registration program is intended to be proactive and to open conversations with property owners so buildings can be returned to productive use, including possible conversion to housing. Opponents said the city should first demonstrate consistent enforcement of existing tools and create dedicated assistance for small local owners.

Council members said a complementary set of tools — inspections capacity-building, a low-interest loan or rehabilitation fund targeted to local owners, and continued use of VBML when necessary — will be required to achieve the ordinance's goals.