Title
Ordinance - Third and Final Reading of an Ordinance Amending Title XV of the Mansfield Code of Ordinances, “Land Usage” to provide regulations for Vacant Buildings and Properties (OA#20-003)
Requested Action
To consider the proposed amendment of Title XV of the Code of Ordinances.
Recommendation
This amendment is a recommendation of the Mansfield Downtown Development Strategies Report adopted by City Council on July 27, 2020. Staff recommends that enforcement of this ordinance begins January 1, 2021.
Description/History
The purpose of this amendment is to regulate commercial and industrial vacant structures properties, which includes church properties located in non-residential zoning districts and shopping centers that are over fifty (50) percent vacant. Properties not included in this regulation include the following uses: Single or multi-family structures, churches and ancillary buildings (unless they are in a non-residential zoning district), and partially vacant shopping centers (unless those centers are over 50% vacant).
Features of this ordinance include:
· Registration of vacant properties
· Contact information
· Proof of liability insurance of no less than $100,000
· Minimal marketing requirements include listing property and the appropriate sale or leasing signage
· Criminal trespass signage
· Submission of floor plan for first responders
· Notice of change of ownership; and
· Must adhere to standards of care and maintenance for property including securing the structure.
There should be a proposed registration fee which staff is seeking advice from the Council regarding this amount. Other cities charge anywhere from $25.00 - $750 annually or on a per square footage basis. Fee waivers to this ordinance are allowed based on an adherence to the standards of care contained within the ordinance. Waivers are good for only a 12-month period with the property owner applying for the waiver each year. Fee waiver exemptions will be evaluated bas...
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