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Council signals support to raise vacant-building registration fees; staff to draft ordinance with higher inspection fees
Summary
Farmers Branch staff reported 14 vacant buildings and presented options to increase registration fees; council asked staff to draft changes reflecting a higher initial registration/inspection fee and more frequent follow-ups.
City staff told the Farmers Branch City Council on April 29 that the city currently lists 14 vacant buildings and that the existing vacant-building registration fee structure is small and administratively complex.
Daniel Summers, director of community services, said the city’s ordinance (Amendment 384, amended August 2024) currently uses a $200 annual registration fee and that peer cities use a wide range of fees. “Right now we have 14 vacant buildings,” Summers said.
Why it matters: Council members said prolonged vacancy contributes to neighborhood blight and that higher fees and more frequent inspections could encourage property owners to sell, repair or otherwise return structures to productive use.
Key details and council direction
Staff presented two models: (1) a single higher flat registration fee (examples shown at $500, $750 or $1,000) and (2) a tiered annual schedule (previously used: $200 first year, $400 second, $600 third, $1,000 thereafter). Council discussion favored stronger financial incentives for owners to act. Council members suggested making the initial registration/inspection fee substantially larger than the historical $200 and increasing follow-up inspection frequency so the city can detect noncompliance sooner.
Council comment and next steps
Councilmember Neal and others cited a long-vacant property on Pebble Beach Drive (public comments earlier in the meeting) and said ongoing nonaction there supports raising fees. Council discussion settled on asking staff to draft language that reflects an increased initial registration/inspection fee (council suggested $500 as a starting point) and periodic subsequent inspection fees; council also asked staff to work with the city attorney on any necessary studies to justify fee levels. Summers said staff will return with an ordinance and supporting cost-study work.
Ending
No vote was taken. Staff will draft ordinance language and cost justifications that reflect the council’s direction to raise fees and increase inspection/regulatory follow-up.
