Consideration of an
Ordinance and Compliance Program
Pertaining to the Regulation of
Vacant Buildings and Lots
City Council Meeting
February 13, 2024
Lou Kirk
Assistant Chief Building Official,
Planning and Economic Development
1 Executive Summary
• Amends Titles 9 and 18 of the City Code
• Presented as a three-year program
• Proposes new staffing (net zero cost)
• Proposes annual registration fee
• Aligns with City Council Goals/Priorities
No. 4 and No. 5
2 Background
• City Attorney initiated in 2017
• Delayed by fires and pandemic
• Replenished staffing resources in 2022 allowed
completion of the ordinance
• Community outreach, participation and input
• 7/12/23 - Downtown Area Association (DAO)
Subcommittee meeting
• 7/31/23 - Economic Development Subcommittee
meeting
• 8/2/23 - Joint DAO, Railroad Square Association and
Board of Realtors meeting 3
Analysis
• Estimated 2,800 properties subject to
ordinance
• Unmaintained properties diminish property
values, increase resource demands, elevate
crime and public health risks
• Ordinance is a Preventive Measure
• Halts/Reverses blight proliferation
• Establishes clear/equitable expectations
• Safeguards health and safety, preserves
aesthetics, fosters community pride 4
Analysis (continued)
• Purpose-built for neglected properties
• Fosters responsible ownership
• Enforcement builds upon historic code
requirements
• Rigorous education-based standards
• Incentivizes proactive maintenance/
exempts proactive owners
5 Analysis (continued)
• Economic Revitalization
• Preserves/improves property values
• Enhances attractiveness to businesses
and residents, encouraging growth
• Community Well-being, Social Cohesion
• Positive effects on safety, health, and
the economic landscape
• Encourages resident engagement
• Promotes a vibrant and resilient
society
6 Analysis (continued)
• Commencement in fourth quarter 2024
• Staffing/Recruitment dependent
• Initial focus on education/outreach
• Active engagement FY24-25
• Models project increased compliance
and registration over time
• Reflects known statistical tendencies
in Code Enforcement case compliance
7 Analysis (continued)
8 • Program Synopsis
• Stable “Maintenance" Stage
Analysis (continued)
• Staffing needs based upon
• Known estimates of properties
• Likely compliance patterns
• Resource demand per property
• Dynamic inspection system
• Optimizes resource demands
• Balances inspections across program
lifetime
• No impact to existing staff 9
FISCAL IMPACT
• Net-zero cost impact once established
• Estimate of revenue phases based upon $1,040
annual registration fee:
10 FISCAL IMPACT (continued)
• Conservative revenue models
• Stable “maintenance” phase
• Properties unable/unwilling to comply
• New noncompliant
• Previously compliant returning to
noncompliant
• Program reassessment/recommendations
11 FISCAL IMPACT (continued)
• Addition of limited term essential staffing
• 1.0 FTE Code Enforcement Officer
• 2.0 FTE HCS Technicians
• Expenditures cover salaries, benefits, services,
equipment, supplies, and vehicles
12 FISCAL IMPACT (continued)
• Net-zero program once established
• Expenditures forecast not to exceed
projected revenues
• Full cost recovery via registration fees
• Funding through General Fund until
established
• Projected to be entirely self-sustaining by
third quarter of FY2024/2025
13 NEXT STEPS
• Council approval of Ordinance and
Resolution needed to move forward with
program
• Initiate/Complete hiring process
• Procure equipment, supplies and vehicles
• Commence outreach and engagement
activities
• Regular progress reporting and evaluation 14
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Staff recommends that the City Council adopt
the proposed Ordinance and Resolution
• Staff recommends that the City Council
authorize an initial General Fund allocation of
$134,148 for fiscal year 2023/2024, or as
determined to be necessary, prior to the
program reaching self-sufficiency
• Staff recommends that the City Council set an
annual registration fee of $1,040.00
15 QUESTIONS?
16