Vacant Property Ordinances on the Rise

Because of the recent economic downturn, many towns and cities have found that there is now a surplus of vacant homes within their city limits. As a result, vandalism, crime, break-ins and theft have all increased in many towns. Additionally, vacant properties are sometimes unsightly — the grass needs to be mowed, the yard might need maintenance, there could be some safety hazards, etc.

To combat these problems, an increasing number of towns are enforcing or instituting vacant property ordinances. As an owner of vacant property, you should check if your town has a vacant property ordinance. You should also do everything you need to to keep the property in good repair, and to keep from running afoul of any municipal ordinance.

Municipalities throughout Illinois have been working up a fairly strict set of rules to deal with vacant property owners. Some towns require a code inspection of all vacant properties. Other towns require registration of all vacant properties, sometimes with a hefty, or not-so-hefty, registration fee. Some towns charge daily fines for failure to bring a property up to code, or for failure to mow the grass or maintain the property externally in some other way. Many towns use a combination of such rules to force the owners to keep the property in good repair.

Proper maintenance of a vacant property is in everybody’s best interest. It prevents vandalism and theft, and also helps keep the neighborhood safe. Additionally, if a vacant property is in a state of disrepair, the value of the property, and neighboring properties, can be affected. If you own a vacant home, you should take the necessary steps to protect it.