Council reviews draft vacant-property ordinance, asks attorney to add escalated fines and notice rules

Council members examined a draft ordinance intended to address neglected vacant buildings and instructed the city attorney to add clarifying enforcement language before the council votes.

According to materials discussed, the draft would require owners of neglected vacant properties to register with the city within 30 calendar days of a building becoming vacant, and it defined a 180‑day vacancy threshold for certain enforcement provisions. The draft cites the criteria for abandoned buildings and references Iowa Code 657A for related title and petition provisions. Under the draft language shown to the council, a first-offense fine was listed as $750 with repeat penalties up to $1,000; several members proposed higher dollar amounts while the attorney updates the ordinance wording (one suggestion in discussion: $1,500 first offense and $3,000 for repeats).

Councilors sought clarification on service and notice procedures (whether the city must use certified mail, hand delivery, or rely on ordinance publication), how and when repeat fines would be assessed (e.g., every 180 days), and whether unpaid fines would become liens on property taxes. The council tabled final action and asked attorney Matt Barry to revise the draft to include: escalated penalties, clear timing between repeat fines, registration/renewal timing, and formal notice/service steps.

Next steps: the attorney will revise the draft to add the requested provisions and return it to the council for a vote at a future meeting.