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Council approves first‑passage ordinance to register and maintain vacant properties
Summary
The Salem City Council approved for first passage an ordinance requiring registration, maintenance standards and escalating fees for vacant properties; the council removed language regarding foreclosed-but‑occupied homes and set the fine at $300 for failure to register.
The Salem City Council voted to adopt—on first passage—an ordinance establishing registration, maintenance requirements and escalating fees for abandoned and vacant residential and commercial properties.
Councilors said the ordinance is designed to limit blight, provide current contact information for property owners, and give the Inspectional Services Department tools to require upkeep. The ordinance requires owners of vacant properties to register them and authorizes inspections, maintenance standards and penalties for non‑compliance.
Committee discussion removed language applying the ordinance to occupied foreclosed properties and simplified the penalty language. Councilors voted to remove the phrase “up to” from a $300 fine so that the fine for failing to register is set at $300; committee redlines also reworked definitions and maintenance language. Councilor Stott and others told the council the primary focus is vacant buildings, not homes where occupants remain during foreclosure.
Committee members said the ordinance will enable the city to collect updated ownership and contact information and to address properties that are sources of public safety or quality‑of‑life concerns. The measure passed for first passage; additional legislative steps will follow before final adoption.
Ending: The ordinance was adopted as amended for first passage; staff and committee follow‑up was requested to finalize the text before second passage.
