Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Nuisance Abatement Code, Title 47, which addresses vacant buildings and structures, was entirely replaced by Council action in July 2004. The code established the requirements for securing and maintaining these buildings, and created remedies by establishing the Safe Neighborhood Review Board, and Neglected Property Registration.
This amendment of the Nuisance Abatement Code provides the framework by which alternative legal methods may be implemented to aggressively address issues of noncompliant vacant buildings /structures, even when ownership is complicated through foreclosure, bankruptcy, probate, etc. This is accomplished by calling clarifying that a non-compliant vacant building is a 'public nuisance' and may be declared a 'hazardous building', providing the [Development] Director options in the manner he or she may, via Code Enforcement, address such buildings, and streamlining process thus providing additional expeditious legal options to address the issues utilizing the existing environmental court.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend Title 47 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, Nuisance Abatement Code, to clarify the framework through which additional appropriate legal methods may be incorporated to address non-compliant vacant and/or abandoned vacant buildings and structures.
Body
WHEREAS, vacant and nuisance properties create a blighting influence on the neighborhood that surrounds them, depressing property values, promoting criminal activity and fostering the perception that area surrounding such structures has become unsafe and unwelcoming; and
WHEREAS, Title 47, "Nuisance Abatement," of the Columbus City Codes, has been enhanced over the years to target these problem properties in an effort to not only assist with the stabilization of neighborhoods but to also encourage greater economic investment and activity in these areas ; and
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