Explanation
Vacant and abandoned properties create costly disinvestment problems in Columbus neighborhoods; problems which have been exacerbated by the recent mortgage foreclosure crisis. With Columbus experiencing an influx of absentee investors, who buy inexpensive, dilapidated properties and then do nothing, hoping that the revitalization work of others in the community will increase their property values. These vacant and abandoned properties actually detract from the quality of life, as well as the economic opportunities, of those living around them. They are an impediment to individual neighborhood redevelopment and, ultimately, to achievement of city-wide economic development goals.
Minimizing the harm done by vacant and abandoned properties and restoring these properties to productive use are priorities for city government, land owners, neighborhood residents, and the business community who are all working together to develop strategies to mitigate the harm of vacant properties. Following up on earlier legislation that created and revised the Registry of Neglected Properties, Ord. 0946-04, Ord. 0947-04 , and Ord. 0897-05, this legislation is needed to codify the procedure for and issuance of criminal penalties upon disappearing real property owners.
The following amendment to Article XI, "Neglected Properties Registry," of Title 47, "Nuisance Abatement Code," of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, with the enactment of "Penalties for Disappearing Real Property Owner" consisting of one section numbered 4711.11, was crafted in consideration of the needs expressed by The City Attorney's Office, Department of Development, property owners, neighborhood residents, community leaders, and locally based real-estate agents, over the course of four (4) separate public hearings and ongoing opportunities for input.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To Amend Article XI, "Neglected Properties Registry," of Title 4...
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