Council tables vacant‑building ordinance after public objections from downtown property owners

The Laredo City Council on Monday voted to table action on a vacant‑building ordinance and directed staff to return with more information and proposed revisions, following extended public comment from downtown property owners and advisory groups.

During public comment, members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee and downtown property owners said the ordinance, as written, risks penalizing owners who are actively renovating or trying to lease downtown buildings. "A VBO alone isn't a solution to economic development," said Julian Ratnovsky, a downtown property owner and participant in the ordinance's early stages. "When implemented without support tools, it ends up punishing the very people trying to reinvest in our downtown." Renee Gonzales, a member of the Economic Advisory Committee, urged council to pair enforcement with incentives and rehabilitation tools.

City staff summary and council concerns: Miriam Pacillo, director of the Economic Development Department, told council the amendment before the body would mainly update implementation dates; the fee structure in the ordinance was not being changed by that amendment. "This amendment is not touching on the amounts," Pacillo said, noting the current plan makes year one a no‑fee registration period and would begin fees in 2026 as the original ordinance adopted in 2021 envisioned.

Council response and motion: After public commenters proposed exemptions for owners actively renovating, several council members expressed support for more study. One council member moved for a 60‑day moratorium and for staff to return with clarifications, including a timeline and history of the ordinance and options on fees and enforcement. Miriam Pacillo said a 60‑day review period was feasible and that other cities that have implemented similar programs pair them with strong code enforcement and dedicated staff. The motion for a 60‑day moratorium and additional staff work passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The ordinance was intended to encourage rehabilitation and reduce long‑term vacancy in downtown Laredo. Opponents and some property owners worried the ordinance would fine owners who are actively renovating or attempting to lease properties unless the ordinance explicitly exempts owners making documented progress.

Next steps: Council directed staff to provide a detailed history of the ordinance, proposed fee usage, examples of incentive programs used in other cities, and options that would exempt owners who have demonstrable rehabilitation activity. Staff indicated it would coordinate with the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Downtown Business Improvement District and return with recommendations and a revised proposal.

Provenance: Item introduced as an amendment to previously adopted vacant‑building rules with public hearings and extended public comment. Council ultimately voted to table and to direct staff to return with more information and proposed changes.