In 2014, ChangeLab Solutions released a “Model Ordinance on Proactive Rental Inspection”. On Sept 18th, 2023 a new version was released. For a copy of MuniReg’s model ordinance for a Vacant/Abandoned/Foreclosure Registry, please email admin@munireg.comREAD MORE
“How Rochester (NY) plans to fix problem housing”
In June 2022, the city’s Housing Quality Task Force released a report including its list of final recommendations. A recent article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle discusses the latest progress report from the City.READ MORE
Macro and Micro Strategies to Fight Blight
Recently two large cities announced new strategies to address blight, one creating a city-wide collaborative while the other focuses on specific requirements for the security of vacant properties. Vacancy Strategy Initiative St. Louis Community DevelopmentREAD MORE
Raising Property Values to Combat Vacancies
Several communities have implemented a “vacant property tax”. In what appears to be a similar objective, Bernalillo County (NM) Assessor is taking a new approach “revaluing properties, not based on how their characteristics at thatREAD MORE
Blight Penalties – What is the magic number?
The challenge regarding what is the appropriate amount of penalties is a difficult one. “Lower” penalties may not provide the necessary push for compliance. “Higher” penalties can result in unintended consequences such as lawsuits, accusationsREAD MORE
New Jersey Moves to Establish Database of Available Commercial Real Estate Properties
A-4750/S-3286 would require the NJ Business Action Center (Department of State) to maintain a database of all vacant commercial real estate in the state that is available for purchase or lease by small businesses. TheREAD MORE
Local Matters Podcast “Have You Ever Called Code Enforcement?”
Local Matters Podcast hosted by Janice Allen Jackson recently featured Matthew Silver, Civica Law and 2nd Vice President California Association of Code Enforcement on the subject of “Have You Ever Called Code Enforcement?” In theREAD MORE
Can Drones Legally be Used for Zoning Ordinance Violations
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear a dispute over the legality of using a drone to take pictures of a property accused of violating a zoning ordinance and creating a nuisance with cars and otherREAD MORE
In-fill Housing – Getting Creative
A recent article discusses one community’s initiatives to “injecting new life into narrow, vacant lots brought about by blighted-structures removal”. Several approaches are referenced, including; the topic must remain a regular item on council meetingREAD MORE
Alaska SB 77 – What is Blight?
In a recent Op-Ed for the Anchorage Daily News, Sam Spiegelman, attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation provides an update on SB 77. In the article he advocates that “the term “blight” must be precisely defined,READ MORE
US Supreme Court “State’s Property Tax Windfall”
Update May 29th, 2023 The Supreme Court has issued a ruling. As discussed in a recent article from Route Fifty that even though the Court ruled against cities and counties, “local officials nationwide are breathingREAD MORE
“Sale in Error Loophole”
Local leaders in Illinois are petitioning the Statehouse to close a loophole that allows for “Profiting off of Blight”. Recent article discusses some purchasers of tax liens, “after four years they take steps to voidREAD MORE