PHOENIX — Owners of some Phoenix properties vacant for more than 30 days must now register with the city.
Last month, the Phoenix City Council approved an ordinance that obligates owners of vacant lots over 10,000 square feet, non-residential structures, or residential properties with more than 50 units to submit their contact info with the city if they've been vacant for at least one month.
The registry will be used by the city to notify property owners of code violations and property-related issues.
City officials said the registry was created, in part, in response to issues arising with out-of-state property owners.
The new registry will now require property owners to register annually, submit contact information or the name of a local point of contact, and report occupancy changes within 10 days.
“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," Neighborhood Services Department Director Spencer Self said in a statement.
Enforcement will begin on unregistered properties in February 2024. Non-compliant property owners may be charged a $500 penalty for the first violation, $1,000 for the second violation, and $2,500 for any subsequent violations.
More information on the registry can be found here.
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