Creating a Vacant Property Registry to Strengthen Our Community

At the next City Council meeting, we will discuss an important step toward addressing vacant properties in College Park: the creation of a Vacant Property Registry. This initiative aims to improve accountability, ensure better property maintenance, and enhance neighborhood safety. By tracking vacant properties, the City can better address code violations, prevent neglect, and maintain the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Why a Vacant Property Registry?

Vacant properties can negatively impact our community. When left unmonitored, they can become safety hazards, attract vandalism, and contribute to blight. A registry will allow the City to track these properties, maintain up-to-date contact information for owners, and ensure compliance with maintenance standards.

Property owners will be required to register with the City within 30 days if their property has been vacant for more than 90 days. This registry will allow the City to contact owners in case of emergencies, property violations, or necessary maintenance concerns.

Who Will Need to Register?

The proposed registry applies to both residential and commercial properties that remain vacant for extended periods. However, several exceptions will be made, including:

• Properties actively listed for sale (for up to six months, with an option to extend).
• Properties undergoing active redevelopment or construction with proper permits.
• Seasonal vacancies, such as students away for summer break.
• Properties under foreclosure or legal proceedings preventing occupancy.
• Properties that have never been developed or cleared of natural vegetation.
• Multi-unit buildings where only some units are vacant.

How Will the Registry Be Managed?

Property owners will be required to submit basic information, including:

• Owner’s name, address, email, and phone number.
• Contact details for a local agent or representative (if applicable).
• Property address and tax identification number.
• Date the property became vacant.

The registration must be renewed annually if the property remains unoccupied.

Fee Structure and Penalties

To encourage compliance, the Council is considering a nominal registration fee to cover administrative costs. While the exact fee is still under discussion, the City is looking at how neighboring jurisdictions handle their vacant property registries. Here’s a comparison:

Jurisdiction	Registration Fee	Renewal Frequency	Non-Registration Penalty	Penalty Frequency
Prince George’s County	$0	One-time	$1,000	Not specified
Brentwood	$300 (Single-Family), $600 (Commercial)	Every 2 years	$200	Every 60 days
Mount Rainier	$500 (Single-Family), $800 (Mixed-Use), $300 (Utilitarian)	Every 2 years	$1,000	Every 30 days
Takoma Park	$200	Annual	$500 (First Violation), $1,000 (Repeat Violation)	Daily
Upper Marlboro	$250	Annual	$1,000	Not specified

The City Council will decide on an appropriate fee structure to balance the need for compliance without burdening property owners. Additionally, penalties for failure to register will be considered, with fines increasing over time for continued non-compliance.

What’s Next?

The City Council will review the findings report from the Vacant and Blighted Property Tax Committee and determine whether to move forward with establishing this registry. While many neighboring jurisdictions have already implemented similar programs, College Park will tailor its approach to ensure fairness and effectiveness in addressing vacant properties.

We encourage residents to share their thoughts on this proposal. Your feedback will help shape the final policy, ensuring that it meets the needs of our community while promoting responsible property ownership.