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Blue Lake commissioners weigh vacant-building ordinance; cautioned by example of Eureka litigation
Summary
The commission discussed a potential vacant-building ordinance to incentivize property upgrades and avoid hazards. A member warned that the city of Eureka is being sued over a similar ordinance, and commissioners urged careful drafting with counsel to avoid litigation.
Commissioners discussed a proposal to explore a vacant-building ordinance to encourage owners to clean up or upgrade historic or neglected properties. One commissioner argued the ordinance could include funds to help owners renovate rather than purely punitive measures and said such a program could protect safety and preserve downtown assets.
At least one speaker warned the commission to monitor a pending legal challenge in nearby Eureka: "the city of Eureka is getting sued over this at the moment," and urged commissioners to study Eureka’s experience and to consult legal counsel when drafting any measure to minimize litigation risk. Commissioners noted the need to balance incentives, public safety, and the risk of legal challenges if a local ordinance is poorly crafted.
