ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: November 4, 2024 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Planning and Development Committee
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: October 28, 2024
SUBJECT: Update of Chronic Nuisance Property and Vacant Building Registry Progress
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Committee discuss and receive and file the report
BACKGROUND:
Code Enforcement staff rank Chronic Vacant Nuisance Buildings for properties that have a Posted Substandard Building and have multiple Code Enforcement cases, Bakersfield Fire Department calls for service and BPD calls for service. This list is used to set a priority level for each Chronic Vacant Nuisance Building identified for evaluation and the properties are integrated into a GIS system for mapping.
The Chronic Nuisance Vacant Building Program Evaluation Group which consists of staff from the City Attorney, Code Enforcement and Economic & Community Development meet regularly to review the properties for potential remedies which include Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Receivership or Purchase program.
In February 2024 the Bakersfield City Council approved an ordinance to create a vacant building registry to proactively address chronic nuisance and vacant properties in the City. Code Enforcement staff implemented the Commercial Vacant Building Registry Program within the downtown and old town kern areas effective March 2024. All commercial vacant buildings t hat are expected to be vacant for thirty (30) days shall be registered. This registry is maintained through the Rocksolid (Bakerfield Mobile APP). The registration shall include the identity of all record owners, the street address of the vacant building, a local contact. The vacant , commercial, building is required to have posted signage: no trespassing signs, and emergency contact signs, on the building. Staff developed a Commercial Vacant Building Registry page on the Code Enforcement website to assist property owners with the requirements and registration process.
Chronic Nuisance Property/Commercial Vacant Building Registry Progress Attached please find exhibit “A” the Chronic Nuisance Vacant Building Program Annual Report 2024 outlining the progress over the last year toward addressing chronic nuisance properties. Our intent is to continue to provide this same data on an annual basis to measure progress and review any need to explore other options.
CONCLUSIONS
City staff continues to take steps forward in systematically addressing our chronic nuisance properties.
The Chronic Nuisance Vacant Building Program Evaluation Group will continue to meet to assess appropriate action for these properties.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will take the direction of the Committee. Potential options include:
1. Receive and File the report
2. Provide Alternate direction to Staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adoption of the update will not result in any further financial impact on the City General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS: