Title
HOLD a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Sec. 31-393, Vacant Structures in the Historic Overlay District, to amend the Vacant Structure Registration.
Summary
DATE: January 17, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Edwin Revell, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Amendment to Chapter 31, Vacant Structure Registration
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
At the November 8, 2022, Council Meeting, City Council issued a motion of direction for staff to amend the Vacant Structure Registration ordinance. Killeen Code of Ordinances Section 31-392 states that the Historic Overlay District (HOD) "is envisioned as a tool to help stabilize and improve property values; to encourage neighborhood conservation; foster civic pride and past accomplishments; to protect and enhance city attractions for tourist and residents; to strengthen the economy, and to promote the use of historical and cultural landmarks for the general welfare of the community."
In congruence with this purpose of the HOD, staff has recently observed and evaluated the existing inventory of buildings within the Historic Overlay District and have noted the following:
-There are currently 34 vacant buildings out of 110 structures
-19 of those buildings were also identified as vacant in 2020
-Since the adoption of the ordinance in 2020, only 8 vacant structures have been registered
At the direction of the City Council, these proposed ordinance amendments include the following updates:
- Expedites the timeline from when the initial notice is sent to register to the time penalties are imposed for failure to register from 90 to 30 days.
- Provides for increased penalties for failure to register within the notice period of 30 days which include both a misdemeanor and upon conviction in municipal court, shall be subject to fines for each offense, with every day constituting a separate offense.
- Provides for increased structure inspection...
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