Using Code Enforcement to Manage the Risks of Vacant Properties

When an empty home sits with a For Sale sign in the yard for too long, it starts to hurt the value of other homes in the neighborhood. On a larger scale, when commercial properties sit vacant month after month (and longer) a number of ill effects can follow. Because of this, city managers have an interest and responsibility to keep a watchful eye over vacant or abandoned commercial properties.

Unoccupied commercial real estate may seem like a low priority when it comes to government interest and manpower, but that is not necessarily the case. Such properties can quickly become eyesores, public dangers and even safe havens for criminal activity.

Public Eyesoresr
It presents a rather desolate image to see a large property sit empty and vast tracts of parking devoid of need. Citizens feel a sense of community loss just driving past these cave
ous shells. But when weeds are growing, windows are shattered or graffiti appears the sense of discouragement intensifies. It is hard to sell your community as a place where new businesses can thrive when the image of failure is writ so large. By contrast, code enforcement regarding property upkeep can help the community maintain a positive public face.

Public Damagesr
It’s true that unattended vacant properties can quickly fall into the category of eyesore. They also can easily become a public danger. Nearly 15,000 fires a year take place in unoccupied commercial properties to the tune of $118 million in damages.

Vacated industrial spaces could pose an environmental threat, especially if dangerous substances and harsh chemicals were left behind and stored improperly. It’s been reported that close to 50 small hospitals have closed across the nation in the past year or two. Buildings such as these must be emptied of all chemicals which could harm people, the groundwater or surrounding wildlife.

Industrial areas with underground tanks can also become a serious danger. Corroded fuel tanks or those storing hazardous waste could leak. The harm to nature is significant and the cost of clean-up ($20,000 - $15million) tremendous. Regular visits by the code enforcement officers can prevent many of these potential damages.

Public Dangersr
Empty properties repel most people, but they attract criminal activity. Criminals assume that surveillance is greatly reduced or non-existent making the buildings a safe haven. The homeless may view the properties as welcome shelter but so, too, do violent criminals. Owners have a public responsibility to keep an eye on things even when the property is tenantless and could be held responsible for criminal acts or accidents which occur on their property.

Public Servicer
For all of the above reasons and more, the city government wants to make sure that property owners, including those with vacated properties, keep those buildings and grounds up to city code. Code enforcement is important for tenanted and untenanted properties. To keep up with the demands of monitoring public spaces, companies like Comcate offer a suite of platforms designed especially for code enforcement officers.