Minutes 08/11/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUQust 11. 2009 Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None 09 - 421 - Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 23 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) by establishing a New Article VI to be entitled "Miscellaneous Nuisances" and adopting a new Section 23-106 pertaining to removal or repair of defaced buildings. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 2713 Sterling Point Drive, spoke in opposition to this item. 2. Tony Goodwyn, 38 Linden Avenue, spoke in support of this item but asked that this item be deferred to include city and school properties. Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to defer consideration of Item 09-421 to the September 22, 2009 City Council Meeting, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None 09 - 422 - Adoption of ordinances pertaining to dangerous and derelict structures and to the taxation of demolished or renovated derelict buildings. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. (A) Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) by amending Section 17-(0) thereof pertaining to dangerous buildings and by adopting a new Section 17-2 pertaining to derelict buildings. (B) Adoption of an ordinance to amend Article III, Division 5 of Chapter 35 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) by adopting a new Section 35-191 pertaining to the exemption from taxes of demolished or renovated derelict buildings. Background: . City staff has worked with the Neighborhood Quality Task Force in an effort to have the state legislature pass SB1 094 dealing with derelict structures. We now wish to adopt an ordinance to use the legal tools provided as a vehicle to abate the derelict structures within the city. Discussion: . For purposes of this ordinance, "derelict building" shall mean a residential or nonresidential building or structure, whether or not construction has been completed, that might endanger the public's health, safety, or welfare and for a continuous period in excess of six months, it has been (i) vacant, (ii) boarded up in accordance with the building code, and (iii) not lawfully connected to electric service from a utility service provider or not lawfully connected to any required water or sewer service from a utility service provider. . The new derelict structures ordinance offers incentives to owners who complete an approved plan to renovate or demolish such structures. The city will, upon request, assess the property in its current derelict condition. Upon completion of the demolition or renovation, fees paid for permits, site plans, or subdivision fees will be refunded up to $5,000. In addition, a re-assessment may occur and the real estate taxes may be abated on an amount equal to the costs of demolition or the fair market value of the renovation. Taxes will be abated for a period of 10 years. This exemption shall be transferable with the property. . The owner is required to submit a plan within 90 days of notification to demolish or renovate the building as prescribed in the Notice of Violation. If the owner of the derelict building has not submitted a plan within 90 days, the locality may exercise such remedies as provided by law.