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Colfax council reviews two ordinance approaches to address downtown vacant and unsafe buildings
Summary
City staff presented two sample ordinances — a vacant commercial space registration and a dangerous-building enforcement ordinance — and councilmembers debated property-rights concerns and whether the CDA or Chamber should lead storefront improvements.
The Colfax City Council on July 21 reviewed two sample ordinance approaches aimed at addressing deteriorating downtown commercial properties. City Administrator Matt Hammer presented a vacant commercial-space registration model (including a registry and registration fees) and a dangerous-building ordinance that would define unfit structures and outline enforcement, notice, hearing and appeal procedures; Hammer asked councilmembers which approach staff should pursue.
Councilmembers voiced concerns about storefronts falling into disrepair and the potential for structural hazards, and several raised questions about requiring “for rent” or “for sale” signs in windows. City Attorney Hannah Kimball flagged legal considerations, asking whether fees or mandatory registration could infringe on property owners’ rights and calling registration a “gentler” option. Hammer suggested the Community Development Association or the Chamber might better lead voluntary storefront-improvement efforts (painting, aesthetics) while the city enforces nuisance and safety codes; City Clerk Lynda Kramlich will email existing nuisance and building-maintenance codes to councilmembers for review. The council did not adopt an ordinance at this meeting and gave staff direction to return with recommended next steps after the codes are circulated.
