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Roanoke council adopts higher tax classification for blighted and derelict properties
Summary
Council approved a new division in the tax code to classify blighted and derelict properties for higher assessments — a 5% increase for blighted properties and 10% for derelict properties — and outlined notification and appeal procedures.
The Roanoke City Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance creating a special tax classification for blighted and derelict properties that will allow the city to assess a higher tax rate for properties meeting those conditions.
Casey Bratton, director of real estate valuation, told the council the new division in chapter 32 of the city code would impose a 5% tax-rate increase for properties determined to be “blighted” and a 10% increase for properties determined to be “derelict,” with the stated purpose of disincentivizing prolonged property neglect.
Bratton said staff will coordinate with code enforcement to identify candidate properties and that affected taxpayers would receive notice in January and be entitled to the same appeal rights as other taxpayers — administrative appeal to the city, then to the board of equalization and the circuit court. He said the city expects to roll out the program in the fall and follow required notification and appeal timelines.
Councilmember Hagan asked whether the proposed increases reflect the maximum permitted by state law; Bratton replied they do. Councilmember Bowers asked how the city will notify property owners; Bratton said the city would coordinate with code enforcement and publish information on the city website.
No members of the public spoke at the hearing. The clerk recorded unanimous roll-call votes in favor of the ordinance, and the mayor declared it passed.
