Chapter 282 Vacant and Abandoned Property
Neglected properties can have a significant negative impact on the community, leading to unsafe conditions, increased criminal activity, and a decline in surrounding property values. These issues contribute to disinvestment in the community, reducing opportunities for education, employment, and access to basic services.
To address these concerns, the City of Lancaster has adopted Chapter 282: Vacant and Abandoned Properties. This ordinance is designed to protect and preserve our neighborhoods by holding property owners accountable for the proper maintenance of their real estate. Administration and enforcement of this chapter shall remain under the control of the Bureau of Property Maintenance & Housing Inspections.
As per City requirements, property owners of abandoned or vacant buildings are required to register these properties within 10 days of the property becoming vacant or abandoned. A semiannual fee, established by City Council, will also be assessed to cover the costs of monitoring and addressing these conditions. In addition to registration, the ordinance requires owners to ensure that vacant or abandoned properties remain secure and compliant with city codes. If the property is in mortgage default, it must undergo monthly inspections.
Please note that this ordinance applies to all vacant and abandoned real properties within the city. Failure to comply may result in penalties, fines, and enforcement actions.
Who Must Register?
– Owners of vacant or abandoned properties (including government, residential, commercial, and institutional buildings) not actively marketed or boarded.
– Mortgagees holding a defaulted mortgage on real property must inspect and register the property.
– Transfer of Property Ownership. If a vacant or abandoned property is sold or transferred, the new owner must update the registration within 10 days and is responsible for any unpaid fees or fines.
– One-time waiver of registration fee- A one-time, one-year waiver of the semiannual registration fee may be granted by the Bureau of Property Maintenance & Housing Inspection Bureau Chief if the owner/responsible agent provides an approved renovation plan within 10 business days of the date of the bill for the annual registration fee, if the mortgagee or owner.
Registration Requirements
Initial Registration: Owners or mortgagees must register vacant properties within 10 days of the property becoming vacant.
Semiannual Registration Fee: $200 per property, as established from time to time by resolution of City Council due every 6 months.
– Responsible Party/Owner is responsible for registrations and payments.
– Late Fees: If registration or renewal is not completed within 30 days, a 10% late fee will be charged for every 30-day period the property remains unregistered.
Additional Registration Fees for Long-Term Vacant Properties:
– Vacant for up to 2 years: $500
– Vacant for 2 to 5 years: $1,000
– Vacant for 5 to 10 years: $2,500
– Vacant for 10+ years: $5,000 (plus $1,000 per additional year)
Special Requested Inspections – $200
Registration & Contact
The City of Lancaster has partnered with Tolemi to manage compliance with our foreclosure and vacant property registration program. All owners, mortgagees, and trustees must register and/or deregister and pay the registration fee as established from time to time by resolution of City Council online via Tolemi’s registry platform named Slate available at slate.tolemi.com/c/lancaster-pa.
For Technical Support/questions regarding the registry, please contact [email protected].
For other questions or information, please contact the City of Lancaster Bureau of Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections at [email protected] or 717-291-4781.
Deregistration
– The property is lawfully inhabited
– There is evidence of utility usage
– Please submit your deregistration request to Slate (slate.tolemi.com/c/lancaster-pa).
Appeal
A mortgagee or owner may appeal a determination of a public nuisance or exterior non-code compliant ruling. Any such appeal shall be in writing and submitted to the Bureau of Property Maintenance & Housing Inspection by filing an “Application for Appeal” (linked below) in writing and submitting the required fee ($100 fee as established from time to time by resolution of City Council) no later than 10 business days after the date of the billing statement.
Definitions
ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY — Any real property located in the City, whether vacant or occupied, that is in default on a mortgage, has had a “lis pendens” action filed against it by the lender holding a mortgage on the property, is subject to an ongoing foreclosure action by the lender, is subject to an application for a tax deed or pending tax assessor’s lien sale or sheriff’s sale of real estate, or has been transferred to the lender under a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The designation of a property as “abandoned” shall remain in place until such time as the property is sold or transferred to a new owner, the foreclosure action has been dismissed, and any default on the mortgage has been cured.
VACANT — Any building or structure that is not legally occupied and where the owner is not actively marketing the building or structure.
REAL PROPERTY — Any residential or commercial land and/or buildings, leasehold improvements
OWNER — Any person, agent, operator, partnership, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or is the person or entity noted in documents recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
