Vacant property registration and fee ordinance
Summary
Ald. Prestley wants the city to charge escalating fees on buildings that sit empty, to push owners to redevelop them. The Council agreed 6-5 to have staff draft the ordinance — expect debate over who counts as vacant and what the fees fund.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 7
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
Fees don't exist yet — revenue would fund inspection and enforcement if adopted later.
Neighbors of long-vacant commercial and residential buildings.
Owners of long-empty properties could face new registration fees if the ordinance is adopted.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Common Council - Oct 20, 2026
The city wants to create a new registration and fee system for vacant commercial buildings, with penalties that follow properties through ownership transfers. Property owners and realtors showed up to oppose it, and the council couldn't reach agreement — it's heading back to committee for rework.
Common Council - Jun 16, 2026
Ald. Prestley wants the city to charge escalating fees on buildings that sit empty, to push owners to redevelop them. The Council agreed 6-5 to have staff draft the ordinance — expect debate over who counts as vacant and what the fees fund.
Protection and Policy Committee - Jun 8, 2026
Ald. Prestley wants an ordinance charging escalating fees on commercial and residential properties that sit vacant for a long time, to discourage blight and recover city enforcement costs. Some alderpersons worried about charging families holding inherited homes they can't yet sell.
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