PHX Reporter

 The City of Phoenix’s Vacant Property Registry (VPR) is now open to the public. In a new ordinance passed by the Phoenix City Council last month, properties vacant for more than 30 days that meet the following criteria are now required to register with the Neighborhood Services Department:

• Non-residential properties

• Unimproved land that is 10,000 or more square feet

• Residential properties with 50 or more units

The VPR takes an important step toward addressing the community’s need for increased communication with vacant property owners.  Before establishing the VPR, the City faced challenges with locating property owners, especially those who reside out-of-state. The new ordinance addresses these challenges by requiring owners to register annually, provide contact information and report occupancy changes within 10 days. In addition, out-of-state owners are required to designate a local point of contact who can address issues promptly.

“This is a huge win for Phoenix neighborhoods,” said Neighborhood Services Department Director, Spencer Self. “The Vacant Property Registry will enable the City to respond more efficiently to issues like blight and crime and put us in direct contact with property owners to provide essential education and resources.”

The Neighborhood Services Department aims to educate property owners about property maintenance requirements and available City resources by offering access to waivers and educational materials in the VPR portal. Some of those resources include:

• Authority to Arrest (ATA)

• Graffiti Removal Waiver

• Private Property Access Waiver

• Common Blight Violations

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

“The Neighborhood Services Department is committed to partnering with residents and providing resources to help preserve and enhance Phoenix neighborhoods,” said Director Self.

Enforcement will begin on unregistered vacant properties in February 2024. With fines ranging from $500 to $2,500, the Neighborhood Services Department urges property owners to register as soon as possible. “We made the registration process very simple,” said Director Self. “The free, online portal is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.”

The Vacant Property Registry is available now on myPHX311, the City of Phoenix’s online service portal.

For more information, visit phoenix.gov/nsd/vacantpropertyregistry.

Original source can be found here.