San Antonio to vote on Vacant Property Registration (VPR)

San Antonio, TX: Some 800 structures in the downtown area, surrounding historic districts, and historic landmarks could come under a new proposal for vacant property registration as soon as January 1, 2015, as the city moves to entice growth and further safety for residents.

The proposal, to be voted on by City Council June 12, gives owners of most vacant buildings a $750 annual fee, with the exception of single-family properties having a lesser fee of $250 annually.

In addition to registering the structures, owners must place a notification identifying the property as vacant, maintain liability insurance for the property, submit a proposal to rectify any code violations, and sign an affidavit allowing public-safety responders access to the property; all of which must be submitted within 30 days of registration.

All vacant buildings will also be subject to a yearly inspection. Costs associated with the inspection would fall to the property owners. The fee is one cent per square foot or $50, whichever amount is greater.

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