HomeMy WebLinkAbout1263 City Code Chapter 520 Blight Removal and Reinvestment BILL NO. 2013-088 ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 520: ESTABLISHING THE
CITY'S BLIGHT REMOVAL AND REINVESTMENT PROGRAM
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF
RIVERSIDE, MISSOURI AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1- ADDITION OF CITY CODE CHAPTER 520 .
A. Purpose. The purpose of this legislative enactment is to establish the Blight Removal and
Reinvestment Program ( "Program ") to partner with private property owners to remove
blighted structures (both residential and commercial) and encourage reinvestment in the
property.
B. Findings of Fact. The Board of Aldermen hereby finds as follows:
1. The elimination of blight and improving the image of the City was a common
concern heard during the master planning process. Participants expressed "a well -
founded fear that run -down buildings are keeping the City from progressing as
rapidly as it should." (Plan, page 13).
2. One of the goals identified in the Master Plan states: "Goal: To improve the
appearance, safety and economic viability of the City through the systematic
removal of blight and the construction of beautiful buildings, streetscapes, and
public spaces" (page 61).
3. Blighted buildings can negatively impact surrounding property values.
4. There are within the City properties which have become derelict, unused,
abandoned or unfit for human habitation or other use by reasons of age,
obsolescence, prolonged vacancy, dilapidation, deterioration, lack of maintenance
and care or general neglect.
5. Blighted properties individually and collectively constitute a blight and nuisance
in City neighborhoods, create fire and health hazards, and are sometimes a haven
for immoral and criminal purposes.
6. It is in the best interests of the City for the furtherance of the health, safety, and
welfare of its residents, and to otherwise further the objectives of the economic
development within the City to establish and implement the Program.
C. Program Funding. The Program will provide up to a 50% matching grant, up to a
maximum of $8,000 per structure, to eligible property owners for the purpose of assisting
property owners with demolition costs to eliminate blight and encourage reinvestment in
the property.
D. Blight Definition. A `Blighted Property" is a property in which the Board of Aldermen
determines that by reason of age, obsolescence, inadequate or outmoded design or
physical deterioration has become an economic or social liability, and that such condition
is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, crime or inability to pay reasonable
taxes.
E. Application Process and Procedures — Demolition.
1. Submit completed application form.
2. Meet with staff on site to discuss the project and for staff to conduct blight
analysis.
3. City Staff will present its blight study to the Board of Aldermen for its
consideration and final determination of blight. The Board of Aldermen's
declaration that the subject property is blighted is a requirement of the Program.
4. Apply for a demolition permit and submit an environmental analysis which states
whether hazardous materials are present. The analysis must be performed by a
company approved by the City.
5. Demolish the blighted structure.
6. Submit invoice and lien waiver from contractor stating they have received
payment. If hazardous materials were present, documentation must be submitted
stating the materials were appropriately disposed of by a business possessing a
hazardous waste permit per Missouri Department of Natural Resources
regulations. Proof of the permit must be submitted.
7. The City will provide a Program grant for 25% of the demolition costs, up to a
maximum of $4,000 per structure.
8. Once an application for the Program has been submitted, the applicant will have
180 days to complete demolition. If demolition is not completed within this
timeframe the applicant will not be able to receive funds.
F. Reinvestment Incentive. An applicant may obtain a reinvestment incentive if new
construction is completed on the property. An additional 25% of the demolition costs, up
to a maximum of $4,000 may be granted provided a certificate of occupancy for a new
structure is issued within 18 months of the demolition permit being issued. To qualify for
the reinvestment incentive new construction must entail a principal structure (house,
office, commercial building).
SECTION 2 — EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after the date of its passage and approval.
BE IT REMBERED that the above was read two times by heading only, PASSED AND
APPROVED by a majority of the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor of the
City of Riverside this 5 day of 2013.
_MO i
M or Kathleen L. Rose
AT 'EST:
� i71i 0 1 /1 a-C
Robin Littrell, ity Clerk
CITY OF
RIV ERSI
MISSOURI
Upstream from ordinary.
MEMO
Memo Date: November 1, 2013
Agenda Date: November 5, 2013
To: Mayor and Board of Aldermen
From: Jackie Carlson, Community Development
Re: Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program
OVERVIEW
The proposed Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program aims to address the Master Plan goal of
removing blighted structures and increasing investment in new construction. The program is designed
to partner with private property owners by providing matching funds (up to a maximum of $8,000) for
demolition costs. Property owners receive matching funds in two ways.
- Blight Removal: 25% of demolition costs (up to a maximum of $4,000 per structure) for blight
removal
- Reinvestment Incentive: Additional 25% of demolition costs (up to a maximum of $4,000 per
structure) for constructing a new principal structure on the property within 18 months of the
issuance of the demolition permit
Prior to a property being accepted into the program, staff must perform a blight analysis. The analysis
will be presented to the Board for final approval. All necessary permits and an environmental analysis
must be obtained prior to demolition and construction. Applicants will be required to submit lien
waivers from the demolition contractor(s) before any funds will be distributed. The program is open to
both residential and commercial properties. Staff is creating an application form for the program and
working on marketing efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT
The program will be funded at $32,000.
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