Vacant properties owners being charged...

City of San Antonio looks to collect from owners of vacant buildings W. Scott Bailey
San Antonio Business Journal

The City of San Antonio has adopted a new ordinance…  San Antonio’s City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance that could create a backlash among property owners in select neighborhoods — and among residents in areas not included.

Backers of the Vacant Building Registration Pilot Program say the ordinance is intended to make unoccupied buildings safer and more attractive for redevelopment. Now, owners of vacant buildings in select areas will have to follow a more stringent property maintenance code and pay an annual fee each year the structure remains empty.

However, the ordinance only affects property owners in the central business district and in historic districts, as well as owners of buildings located near military bases. “The Vacant Building Registration Pilot Program is a huge step in the right direction to improve redevelopment in the city,” says Councilwoman Ivy R. Taylor, whose district includes San Antonio’s historically under-served East Side. “Unoccupied buildings that are not taken care of play a role in negative perceptions of some neighborhoods,” Taylor adds. “The pilot program enforces the owner to be accountable for their property by establishing maintenance requirements which will spur revitalization in our neighborhoods.”

Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, affected property owners will be required to pay a registration fee of $250 each year for single-family homes and $750 for all other structures, plus an inspection fee of $0.01 per square foot as determined by Bexar County Appraisal District — or a minimum charge of $50. Revenues generated through the fee collection will fund the administration of the program. Failure to register a property can result in fines of up to $500 per day, per violation.

“Ultimately, we want to encourage the redevelopment of these properties through the establishment of minimum maintenance requirements, regular enforcement, property owner accountability and the promotion of redevelopment opportunities for registered buildings,” says Shanon Miller, director of the Office of Historic Preservation. “Neglected empty buildings are a problem that affects our downtown as well as our neighborhoods,” says City Councilman Diego Bernal. “We want to help willing owners improve and occupy their buildings, and at the same time hold negligent owners accountable to the community. This is our best effort to accomplish both ends.”