Evanston, IL, proposes 525% increase to annual fee for its vacant property registration ordinance

Evanston, IL: An increase to fees for the City’s vacant property registration ordinance has been presented, and is under consideration.
 

The current ordinance requires a $400 annual fee for registering a vacant property, along with current contact information for owners and those responsible for the property; with any changes to any details provided required within 15 days of the changes.


In addition to the registration fee, an inspection fee of $500 is due, to determine the extent of compliance with building, health, fire, water and sewer codes; along with having liability insurance in place and presenting a plan for resolving any code violations, maintaining the property, and re-occupation / sale timeline or demolition.


The changes would increase the annual fee from $400 to $2,500 for registration, add on a $250 inspection fee for each needed return inspection (past the initial $500), and set the penalties for violation of the ordinance to $250 for first violation, $750 for second, and $1,000 for third; as well as establish that properties not termed “vacant” but still unoccupied would have to register and pay a $25 fee.


The proposed changes were suggested to take effect Jan 1, 2020, if all proposals are accepted.

 

 

 

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