Waynesboro staff outline proposed derelict and blighted property tools, no ordinance adopted

Waynesboro staff presented options March 24 for addressing derelict and blighted properties in response to public concern about downtown vacancies, explaining two Virginia Code mechanisms — a special tax class and a registry requirement — that the city could add to its local toolbox. Council took no ordinance action at the meeting.

Staff said the state code provides consistent definitions for “blighted” and “derelict” that the city could adopt into its code so building officials could use existing definitions and enforcement tools. One mechanism would create a tax class: staff recommended authorizing the maximum increase allowed under state law (the presentation described a 10% surcharge for derelict properties and a 5% surcharge for properties in a blighted class). The other tool would create a registry: staff would notify property owners that their building meets the code definition, require owners to report building vacancy or derelict status and charge a processing fee (the presentation referenced a $100 processing fee).

Staff said the measures are intended to “make a statement” and call owners’ attention to problem properties rather than to raise substantial revenue. A sample review of four downtown Main Street buildings that met the definitions produced an estimated additional revenue of approximately $1,300 total — not a material revenue source, staff said.

For the tax-class change, staff noted the code requires two advertisements and a public hearing before adoption; for the registry the city could adopt at a subsequent meeting. Staff recommended consideration of the maximum surcharges available under Virginia law and indicated the city could later request higher limits from the General Assembly.

Council members expressed support for stronger tools to address downtown building conditions; staff said no ordinance vote was requested that evening and further materials and next steps will be prepared.