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Council adopts ordinance regulating vacant commercial structures, requires 30‑day vacant‑building plan
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2025-35 to require owners of vacant commercial buildings to file simple vacant‑building plans within 30 days of notification; staff emphasized outreach and that municipal court fines are a last resort, and the ordinance removes a prior requirement to post owner contact info on buildings.
Council adopted an ordinance establishing regulations for vacant commercial structures, a measure staff said is intended to protect public safety and preserve neighborhood appearance while providing an administrative path to work with property owners.
Chief Baum explained changes made after earlier feedback: the draft removes the requirement to post owner contact information on the building (the registry will be maintained by the city), and clarifies that the ordinance is not intended to bring a vacant building up to full current code but to preserve structural safety and sanitary conditions consistent with the building's last use. He described a short, owner‑completed vacant‑building plan form and said there will be no fees for the plan in the first year.
Regarding timing, Chief Baum clarified that owners have 30 days to submit a vacant‑building plan after notification: "The 30 day period is to submit your plan," he said, adding that the ordinance does not require all repairs be completed within 30 days. Staff told council enforcement will prioritize collaboration and that municipal court fines would be pursued only after attempts to work with owners fail.
Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-35 as presented (vote recorded 4–0). Staff said they will continue direct outreach to property owners and use the registry to track plans.
