Commission holds first reading of vacant and abandoned property registration ordinance

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners held a first reading on an ordinance establishing abandoned and vacant property registration requirements and an annual fee schedule for vacant commercial properties in the Richmond Historic District.

City attorney summarized the measure and said owners of property classified as "abandoned" must submit a registration form no later than 60 days after a property becomes abandoned; owners of vacant properties must submit the form no later than one year after vacancy. The ordinance sets required registration information and requires registered properties to be posted with a 24-hour contact and inspected every 30 days.

The measure includes an annual fee schedule for vacant commercial properties in the historic district: vacant less than one year, $0; 1 year, $500; 2 years, $1,000; 3–4 years, $2,000; 5–9 years, $3,500; 10+ years, $5,000. The ordinance specifies residential registrations carry no fee and lists maintenance and safety standards (code compliance, removal of debris, secured openings, working or drained pools, structurally sound conditions).

Commissioners questioned sidewalk maintenance and whether the city or the property owner bears responsibility. City staff clarified that current ordinance requires property owners to maintain sidewalks in front of their properties, and the city has undertaken targeted sidewalk upgrades on major thoroughfares but that the property-owner maintenance responsibility remains. Staff also noted the ordinance's geographic scope is the historic district; commissioners discussed the possibility of extending boundaries in the future but made no change at first reading.

No final vote was taken; the item will return for a second reading. Commissioners said residents may contact the mayor's office for clarification while staff prepares additional information.