Residential Property Registrations

As part of Jackson's Overall Economic Stabilization Program, Jackson City Council adopted two residential property registration programs.

Non-Owner Occupied Residential Property Registry
Effective March 22, 2012
Section 14-2. Findings and purpose. The City Council finds that there are non-owner occupied residential dwellings or units in the city that have become unsafe, unsanitary, and unsecured due to deterioration. The City Council finds that it is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the city and its residents to require that all non-owner occupied residential dwellings or units be registered and inspected to ensure safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions for those residing in non-owner occupied residential dwellings or units. The City Council also finds that by requiring property registration of all non-owner occupied residential dwellings or units in the city, the continuing maintenance of safe and quality non-owner occupied residential dwellings and units will be maintained and property values will be enhanced. The City Council also finds that requiring designation of a responsible local agent will ensure timely notice under the law to the property owner and assist code enforcement inspectors in their duties to inspect non-owner occupied dwellings or units.
 
Foreclosed, Vacant & Abandoned Residential Property Registry
Effective April 26, 2012
Section 14-401: Findings and purpose. The City Council finds that there are foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential properties in the city that are a public nuisance and that foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned residential properties that are not maintained and secured constitute a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare for the following reasons:

1. These properties often become dilapidated because they are not maintained by the owners of the properties
2. These properties attract children, harbor vermin, and provide shelter for vagrants and criminals
3. These properties are more likely to be vandalized or be the target of arsonists
4. These properties provide a dumping ground for garbage, trash and other debris
5. These properties require an increased amount of city resources and staff time to maintain, secure, demolish or otherwise respond to problems associated with them

The City Council finds that owners of foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned residential properties should be held accountable for the physical condition of their properties. At a minimum, the owners should prevent the properties from creating a blight upon the surrounding neighborhood and decreasing property values. The City Council also finds that a responsible local agent should be required for all properties not owned by persons or entities within a reasonable distance of the city in order to safeguard the properties and structures, assist city personnel with access for inspections, and accept notices concerning the properties.