Clayton adopts sidewalk program ordinance; staff outlines property transfer process and likely costs

The Clayton City Council approved Ordinance 0072610 to adopt a sidewalk program that authorizes the city manager or her designee to administer transfers of eligible city-owned side lots to adjacent property owners.

Clerk Clark read the ordinance into the record and councilmembers moved and seconded approval. Before the vote, councilmembers questioned staff about how the program would work and what costs residents could expect if they sought to acquire a side lot.

Staff member Colin said costs ‘‘will vary, case by case’’ and that the city’s intention is to come out neutral when transferring properties. He listed two main applicant expenses: engineering survey work to combine lots and recording fees with Montgomery County. ‘‘I would imagine those would probably be upwards of 1000 dollars,’’ Colin said.

Council asked whether lost real estate tax would be recouped; Colin said the tax loss would not be accounted for in the program and suggested the land bank process often wipes taxes off when the city acquires property. Another participant added that historically the land bank clears taxes and the city then conveys the property for a nominal amount.

Colin said the city has about ‘‘5 or 6’’ lots under consideration and that roughly three may be non-buildable (the program’s purpose is to transfer lots that are not buildable on their own to adjacent owners to reduce maintenance obligations such as mowing).

Council approved the ordinance after the discussion. City staff said they will upload program documentation to the city website and list available properties so residents can review eligibility and costs before applying.

Next steps: staff to post program materials online and publish the list of available properties; applicants will work with staff and the city’s recorder process to complete lot combinations and transfers.