Kansas City could soon close a loophole that makes it easier to knock down historic buildings while beefing up rules for owners who leave their properties vacant.
Mayor Quinton Lucas has proposed a trioofordinances that would set new standards for securing and “mothballing” vacant buildings, expand the scope of when owners have to register vacant properties, and require further review for requests to demolish historic buildings — even if they’re considered dangerous.
Of note, under the proposed new rules, the city’s Historic Preservation Commission would review demolition permits for historic buildings before approval, even if the city has declared the building to be dangerous…