TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: May 5, 2021
Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A ZONING, ARTICLE XL - PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS, SECTION 40.16 - ABANDONED REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR AMENDING PROGRAM FOR REGISTRATION OF PROPERTIES IN FORECLOSURE; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT.
BACKGROUND: The City’s current Abandoned Property Registration Ordinance was originally approved by the City Commission in 2008 and only included vacant properties that are in mortgage default. The existing program generally utilizes a reactive approach, seeking registration compliance when maintenance violations are observed at vacant properties; rather than a proactive approach prior to vacancy and maintenance issues occurring at the properties. This proposed ordinance includes properties in mortgage default, whether vacant or occupied, and holds the mortgagees (banks) accountable to register all properties in default and for payment of the semi-annual registration fee.
If the ordinance is approved at second reading, City staff plans to utilize Property Registration Champions, LLC (a/k/a ProChamps), to handle the registration and payment services required for this program. ProChamps would also proactively notify all properties with an obligation to register in the program. Further, ProChamps would provide the City with direct contact information for the mortgagee, mortgage servicing agent(s), and property preservation company. ProChamps providing this information to the City will eliminate what is typically a time intensive process for code compliance to obtain the information required to properly notify the responsible parties of issues at the property.
RECOMMENDATION: For approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No additional cost to the City. Revenue to be determined based upon the number of property registrations.
CONTACT PERSON: Richard Nixon, Building Official