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Bedford council moves vacant-building registry to public hearing after questions about exemptions and insurance
Summary
Council discussed a draft ordinance to register buildings vacant 12 months or more, including proposed fees ($100 initial, $200 failure-to-register, $400 in special districts); members raised concerns about exemptions, insurance impacts and enforcement; the council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing and carry the item to a second reading.
Staff told the council the downtown action strategy adopted Jan. 6, 2026 recommends a vacant-building registration ordinance and presented a draft that would require owners of properties vacant for a continuous 12 months and meeting criteria for dereliction or criminal blight to register. The staff summary described an initial registration fee of $100, a failure-to-register fee of $200 (plus payment of the initial or annual fee), and a $400 penalty for properties in conservation or rehabilitation districts that fail to register.
Council members pressed staff on several practical questions. One member asked whether the registry would be a public record; Town Attorney Mike replied the list would likely be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and could be requested by the public. Members asked whether actively marketed properties, properties with active building permits, properties involved in legal transfers (wills), or properties damaged in recent disasters should be exempt from the registry. Several members expressed concern that being listed could increase insurance premiums or lead insurers to decline coverage.
Council and staff discussed how a property would be determined to meet the ordinance criteria: code enforcement personnel would make an initial finding and contact owners; only properties that are vacant and derelict, criminal blight, or disconnected from utilities (water, sewer, electric) for extended periods would be listed. The town attorney suggested the draft's ‘‘whereas’’ clauses explain the rationale but are not themselves enforceable, and advised council members that adoption could proceed as a first read (which may be adopted the same day with a two-thirds vote) or be carried to a second reading with a public hearing.
Motion and vote: Councilman Haley moved, and Mr. Ippolito seconded, to hold a public hearing and carry the ordinance to a second reading. The roll call returned unanimous 'Aye' and the motion carried (7–0). Council agreed to return with answers to the questions and with the public hearing scheduled for the next available meeting.
What happens next: Staff will research exemption approaches used in other jurisdictions and provide clarifying language and recommended procedures for owner notification and enforcement before the ordinance returns for further consideration.
