Council adopts vacant-property registration ordinance to address blight and safety

Lancaster City Council adopted Ordinance 1133 on June 10, adding chapter 9.55 to the Lancaster Municipal Code to regulate vacant residential properties, staff said.

Staff described the ordinance as targeting properties that are substantially unoccupied or abandoned for more than 45 days, or properties with no construction activity or inspection within the last 90 days under an active permit. Under the ordinance, property owners must register vacant properties with the city and provide contact and insurance information, keep vegetation trimmed (ground cover under 6 inches; shrubs no taller than 36 inches), maintain irrigation where provided, remove trash and debris, post no-trespassing signs if directed by the chief of police, and secure the property to prevent unauthorized entry. Staff said community preservation and the Lancaster Police Department would have authority to proactively address violations; uncorrected violations will be subject to administrative penalties.

A member of the public described a burned and unsecured house near East Lancaster and said code enforcement had not responded in her view. Councilmembers and staff discussed procedural safeguards, enforcement steps and timelines; staff requested and the council authorized the city manager to approve the vacant-property registration application form and to amend it as needed. The council passed the ordinance and the accompanying administrative authorization on a unanimous vote.

Staff said the ordinance aims to reduce blight, safety hazards and trespassing at vacant properties and to improve neighborhood conditions.