Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Madison Reports 32 Vacant-or-Abandoned Properties, Staff Outlines Limits to Inspections
Summary
City code enforcement reported 32 cases opened under the vacant-and-abandoned registry, eight voluntary registrations with four abatement plans, and staff said they cannot enter properties without owner consent unless an inspection warrant is obtained for unsafe-structure concerns.
City of Madison code enforcement presented the council Dec. 2 with a progress report on the vacant-and-abandoned-structures ordinance, detailing the locations under review, early compliance results and the legal limits on inspections.
"There have been 32 properties that have registered and none of those to this point have paid a registration fee," the presenter reported, adding that eight owners voluntarily registered and four abatement plans have been received. Staff said roughly 32 cases were opened (one duplicate), about 21 notices of determination remain to be issued, and roughly 20-plus additional properties will receive notices over the next month.
The presenter (identified in the meeting packet as Dylan Veil and later addressed as "Dewey" in the chamber) walked council through a map showing concentrations downtown and examples by street, including 631 Broadway, 420 Broadway, 320 McIntyre, 608 West 3rd, 709 Elm Street and others. Staff showed before-and-after photos from voluntary registrations where work has begun at addresses such as 711 Main Street and 921 Walnut.
Council members asked whether enforcement staff have authority to enter vacant properties to check for occupants. The presenter said staff do not have automatic authority to enter; inspectors must obtain a warrant under the city's unsafe-structures ordinance if owners refuse access. "We do not have the authority to go inside," the presenter said; the presenter explained that inspection warrants may be sought for unsafe conditions but not solely because a property is on the vacant registry.
Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) read the ordinance's legislative findings on the public-nuisance effects of vacant, deteriorated structures, saying the law was adopted to address blight, protect property values and allow disciplined local action when owners do not cooperate.
Staff emphasized early successes from voluntary registration while warning that persistent noncooperation will require legal action and additional code enforcement resources. Council directed staff to continue outreach and pursue notices of determination and abatement plans where appropriate; no new ordinance or budget action was taken at the meeting.
