Title
Vacant Property Registry
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee information on the possible development of a Vacant Property Registry, designed to identify properties that are vacant, obtain contact information for code enforcement and emergency situations, to protect neighborhoods from becoming blighted through lack of adequate maintenance, and to work in partnership with owners to ensure property maintenance standards are met.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) addresses property maintenance violations for occupied and unoccupied/vacant properties. Vacant properties can present a challenge when trying to notify a responsible party regarding code violations. In some cases, staff spends significant time researching ownership contact information when the information is not readily available, or when the owner is located out of state and does not have a local point of contact.
Common problems associated with vacant properties include a high incidence of code violations, trespassing and criminal activity, and fires. A registry would help expedite staff contacting property owners regarding property issues and allows the opportunity to proactively provide education on maintenance responsibilities and offer resources to assist owners with securing and maintaining the property.
Staff researched ten medium/large U.S. cities to determine if a vacant property registry would enhance the enforcement process on vacant or abandoned commercial and residential properties in the City of Phoenix. Representatives were asked if they have a registry, how it is administered, registry requirements and how enforcement is conducted. The results of the survey are as follows:
- Nine of the cities surveyed had registry programs.
- Eight of the nine cities manage the registration themselves, and one utilizes a vendor.
- Fees varied widely from $50-$1,985 per year with the average being $200 annually.
- Ten cities hold the owner and lender responsible, with most of the cities focused on having the lender register the property once a foreclosure process had started.
Potential Framework
Based on the research, staff proposes a framework that would require vacant commercial properties, lots over 10,000 square feet, and residential properties with 50 or more units to register if vacant for more than 30 days. Staff would create a free online registration portal for ease of registry and to provide education on the Authority to Arrest and trespassing process, private property Graffiti Removal Waiver, PHX C.A.R.E.S. process, property maintenance responsibilities and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Additionally, staff will work to develop a private property outreach access waiver to allow City staff or contractors to access the property to provide outreach and offer services to unsheltered individuals or other people in crisis. Annual registration would be required, and occupancy needs to be reported within 10 days. Most importantly, the registry would require a local contact who would have the ability to address issues in a timely manner.
Next Steps
Over the summer, staff will take feedback from the Subcommittee, continue to work on the framework for the registry if desired, conduct community outreach, identify resources needed to create and enforce a registry, and research costs before returning to the Subcommittee in the fall with an update.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Neighborhood Services Department.