Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 8.60, “Vacant Building Limitations and Standards” to the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading and final adoption of an Ordinance adding Chapter 8.60, “Vacant Building Limitations and Standards” to create restrictions on ownership of commercial and residential vacant properties.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2573, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adding Chapter 8.60 “Vacant Building Limitations and Standards” to the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt the Ordinance as recommended by staff; or,
2. Provide direction on specific revisions to the Ordinance; or,
3. Request additional information; or
4. Continue the matter to a date certain; or
5. Decline to act.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Vacant buildings are a major cause and source of blight in both residential and nonresidential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to actively maintain and manage the building to ensure that it does not become a liability to the neighborhood. Vacant buildings attract vagrants and transients and invite criminal activity. Use of vacant buildings by transients, who may create the risk of fire for vacant buildings and adjacent properties. Vacant buildings, whether or not those buildings are boarded, discourage economic development and prevent appreciation of property values. It is the responsibility of the owner to stop owned property from becoming a burden to the neighborhood and community, and a threat to the public health, safety and welfare.
This ordinance requires:
• The vacant building owner shall ensure that an unsecured vacant building is boarded pursuant to the board-up standards provided in Merced Municipal Code 8.60.060.
• The vacant building owner whether the building is boarded up voluntarily or through enforcement activity of the City has 120 days to rehabilitate the building for occupancy.
• A quarterly inspection fee may be imposed to finance the cost of inspection and enforcement related to the City’s vacant building monitoring efforts.
At the November 4, 2024, City Council meeting, Council approved the introduction of Ordinance 2573.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on budget appropriations.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance 2573