KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City officials are considering a proposal that would significantly expand the city’s vacant property registration program, a move supporters say is aimed at protecting neighborhoods and preventing the conditions that can lead to blight.
The proposed ordinance, 260401, would broaden current requirements beyond vacant properties with structures to also include unimproved vacant land. The change would increase the number of parcels subject to registration and related rules.
Under the proposal, owners would be required to conduct monthly inspections even if a parcel has no structure. The ordinance would also require owners to submit a statement of intent describing plans for the property and to post 24-hour contact information within seven days of registering.
The proposal would keep an existing exemption for properties actively listed for sale with a licensed real estate professional, meaning listed properties with active utility service would not be classified as vacant…