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Board advances vacant commercial/industrial building registration ordinance with 12‑month waiver amendment
Summary
On first reading the board approved revisions to Hendersonville’s building‑registration rules for vacant commercial and industrial properties, adopting a 12‑month automatic waiver of the initial registration fee when a building is actively marketed and allowing the planning commission to extend that period.
The Board approved on first reading an ordinance (2025‑O‑8) to add a registration requirement for vacant commercial and industrial buildings to Henderson Municipal Code Title 12 (first reading passed unanimously with amendments). Sponsors and staff described the change as a targeted tool to encourage cleanup, maintenance and reuse of long‑vacant properties.
Key change: Alderman Collins and Alderman Ward requested and the board adopted an amendment replacing the draft text’s "may" language with a requirement that the initial registration fee "will" be waived for 12 months when the owner demonstrates the building is actively being marketed for sale or lease. The planning commission retains authority to grant a further extension; one sponsor noted that larger buildings often require longer marketing timeframes.
Other edits: A clerical change replaced a chapter reference (chapter 13 → chapter 15) on page 92; sponsors also discussed ensuring the new language would not be punitive but would prompt cleanup or leasing activity. Alderman Ward asked staff to work with the city attorney to refine a separate timeframe for very large properties; the mayor and several aldermen supported the 12‑month approach with planning commission discretion to extend.
Outcome: The amended ordinance passed first reading unanimously. Sponsors said they will coordinate with the city attorney on a targeted amendment addressing timeframes for very large buildings prior to second reading.
Ending: Staff will return with the revised ordinance language and any technical corrections in time for the board’s next regular meeting; no final code adoption occurred tonight.
