Minutes 06/23/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

June 23, 2026  The determination of whether property qualifies as “blighted property” or a “derelict building” would be made by the City Assessor with the assistance of the Building Official. Property owners would have the right to appeal the determination under the appeals process for real estate assessments.  If the ordinance is adopted, the FY 2027 tax rate for “blighted property” would be $1.30 per $100 of assessed value, and the tax rate for “derelict buildings” would be $1.36 per $100 of assessed value.  The higher rate would be applied beginning with the quarter after the property is determined to be blighted or derelict.  Upon a determination by the City Assessor that a property is no longer blighted or derelict, the property’s designation would be removed and it would be taxed at the general rate for real property taxation. Financial impact:  Properties determined to be “blighted property” or “derelict buildings” will be taxed at a higher rate. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Strategic Pillar # 3: Economic Growth & Citywide Revitalization. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The City Assessor will work with the Building Official to properly determine blighted property and derelict structures. 1. David House, P. O. Box 3002, spoke in support of this item. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Hugel, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN ARTICLE II (REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENTS) OF CHAPTER 35 (TAXATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION 3 TITLED “CLASSIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF BLIGHTED PROPERTIES AND DERELICT BUILDINGS” FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING BLIGHTED PROPERTIES AND DERELICT BUILDINGS AS SEPARATE CLASSES OF PROPERTY FOR TAXATION PURPOSES AND PROVIDING THAT BLIGHTED PROPERTIES SHALL BE TAXED AT A RATE FIVE PERCENT, AND DERELICT BUILDINGS TAXED AT A RATE TEN PERCENT, HIGHER THAN THE TAX RATE APPLICABLE TO THE GENERAL CLASS OF REAL PROPERTY.” Ayes: Bryant, Dodson, Hugel, Moody, Thomas, Tillage, Glover Nays: None 26 - 121(f) - Adoption of an ordinance to amend and reordain Article IX (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of Chapter 22 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) and Appendix A of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia for the purpose of modifying requirements and fees pertaining to on-street paid parking and parking in city or parking authority lots and garages. Deferred from the May 12, 2026 City Council meeting. Background:  The City is in the process of transitioning to the use of the T2 Mobile Pay system for parking. The T2 system will ultimately replace all metered parking.  The transition of the parking system requires amendment of the City Code, which is currently structured to address metered parking.  In addition, the ordinance proposed for City Council consideration modifies parking rates.