Lewiston council considers tracking and modest regulation for long-vacant commercial buildings

A councilor introduced the idea of addressing long-term vacant commercial properties in Lewiston and cited examples such as a former Safeway and other large retail buildings. The council did not propose a vacancy tax (which local law limits) but discussed alternatives: creating a registry of long-vacant sites, requiring periodic inspections and securing vacant properties, charging modest fees to cover inspection costs, and requiring removal of old signage and unsafe wiring.

Council members urged a measured approach that begins with data collection — how long each building has been vacant, what safety issues exist, and whether owners are maintaining secure facilities — before recommending fees or other regulatory steps. The city attorney and councilors suggested the initial goal be a safety and data-gathering ordinance rather than punitive taxation, with the option to revisit broader incentives or licensing changes based on the findings.

Staff were asked to research legal constraints and bring back options on inspections, cataloging, targeted fees and nuisance enforcement rather than a broad financial penalty. No vote was taken; staff will report back with recommended language and possible inspection/registration costs.