Council Member Proposes Exploring Vacant-Property Registration Ordinance to Combat Blight; Staff to Research Models

Councilmember Heather (referred by first name in transcript) proposed that Columbia Borough explore adopting a vacant-property registration ordinance to address long-term vacant buildings and reduce blight. The proposed policy would require owners of properties vacant beyond a set period to register the property, pay an annual fee and provide contact information to the borough. The councilmember cited several long-standing vacant properties that contribute to blight, including a former service station, an office building near Fourth and Linden, and other downtown lots, and suggested that registration fees and annual inspections could incentivize owners to remediate or market properties for reuse. She said she had collected sample ordinances from other municipalities for council review. Solicitor and staff cautioned that typical ordinances provide exemptions for properties under active sale or undergoing permitted renovations and that careful drafting is required to avoid unintended consequences. Staff said they will compile sample ordinances and legal guidance and return with proposed language for council review. Council did not set a specific deadline for the research, but members said they supported pursuing model language and legal review before any ordinance introduction. Council did not vote on an ordinance; the action was a directive to staff to collect examples and draft options.