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Washington City adopts derelict-property ordinance to address vacant blight
Summary
The council unanimously approved an ordinance under Chapter 38 to create a municipal-court-led procedure for derelict vacant properties. City Attorney Adam Nelson said the court-driven process imposes a minimum 270-day timeline before the city can take enforcement action.
The Washington City Council unanimously adopted an amendment to Chapter 38 of the Code of Ordinances on April 13 that establishes a procedure for addressing derelict vacant properties.
City Attorney Adam Nelson presented the ordinance and explained it follows state law; under the adopted procedure, the municipal court will set timelines and remedies and the earliest the city could act is after a minimum statutory period of 270 days. Nelson said the process is intended to give property owners time to respond while providing a legal pathway to address long-term vacancy and blight, including properties held in heirship.
Council Member Kimberly J. Rainey expressed concern that some property owners may lack funds to repair properties and could ultimately lose title, but members emphasized the ordinance only applies to vacant properties and is focused on blight abatement. The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Council Member Larry Hill and seconded by Council Member David Fisher and passed 6-0.
Next steps: municipal-court procedures and timelines will be followed for any enforcement actions; the city will publish implementing guidance and coordinate with the municipal court and City Attorney's office on administration of cases under the new ordinance.
