Foreclosed, Vacant & Abandoned Property Registry

Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances establishes a Foreclosed, Vacant, and Abandoned Residential Property Registry (PDF), requiring an owner of a foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property to register the structure with the Community Development Department within 15 days of the earlier of:

The property becoming subject to foreclosure
The property becoming a vacant property
The property becoming an abandoned property
Notice being sent to the owner of a structure by the Community Development Department declaring the structure to be a foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property

Fees

Registration fees are $300. The first quarter of a quarterly monitoring fee is due at registration, and ranges from $225 - $375 depending on the type of housing.
A late fee of $150 will also be charged if the foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property is registered within 30 calendar days after the due date (day 16 through 45)
Properties registered more than 30 calendar days after the due date (day 46+) will also be charged an additional $25 per day late

Responsible Local Agent

The designation of a Responsible Local Agent is required for a foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property owned by a person or entity that resides more than 75 miles outside of Jackson County. The property owner must designate a Responsible Local Agent who resides within 75 miles of Jackson County. If the Responsible Local Agent is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other for-profit or non-profit entity, the address of the registered office of the entity must be within 75 miles of Jackson County.

Property Registration

A property registration, which will remain valid for 2 years, will be issued if the applicant meets all the following requirements:

An Application (PDF) is properly submitted
An Acknowledgment of Responsible Local Agent form is submitted and signed by the Responsible Local Agent, if required
All application fees are paid
All outstanding inspection fees and late fees are paid
Payment in full of all of the following fines, fees, and debts owed to the city relating to the property being registered that are currently due or past due including but not limited to:
- Outstanding water or sewer bills
- All charges for mowing, cleanup, weed, or debris removal
- Any fees, penalties, or debts of any sort arising from provisions of the housing code, including any blight violations

Changes to the Application

If any information submitted upon the application changes, the owner must notify the Community Development Department within 10 days and submit an amended application at no cost. However, failure to update information within 10 days is a violation and subject to late fees of $25 per unit per day.

Registration Renewal

A renewal property registration must be applied for at least 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Transfer of Ownership

If the ownership of a foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property is transferred, any property registration shall become void. An application for registration must be made at the time of closing by the purchaser, transferee, or grantee, and the seller of the non-owner occupied residential dwelling or unit must notify the Community Development Department within 45 days of the sale or transfer and provide the name and address of the purchaser or transferee.

Unless the purchaser or transferee files a 100% Principal Residence Exemption with the city assessor, that purchaser or transferee must register the non-owner occupied residential dwelling or dwelling unit within 45 days after close of sale. No refunds or credits of fees will be given when there is a transfer of ownership. Failure to register within 45 days after close of sale will be subject to late registration fees.

Duty to Maintain & Secure

An owner of a foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential property shall comply with all of the following maintenance and security requirements:

The property and structure be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons, including, but not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors, gates, and any other openings of such size that could allow a child or other person to access the interior of the property
The property on which the structure is located be in compliance with Jackson City Code Chapter 26 for grass and vegetation maintenance
The property be kept free of trash, junk, and debris as required by Jackson City Code Chapter 12
The structure be maintained in accordance with applicable sections of Jackson City Code Chapter 14
The property be kept free of any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, and notices, except for those required by federal, state, or local law
The property and structure be maintained free of graffiti as required by Jackson City Code Chapter 17, Article IX
The property be in compliance with Jackson City Code Chapter 17, Article VI, as to unregistered, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles
All structures on the property be properly winterized to prevent bursting of pipes
Pools, spas, and other water features be covered by a safety cover approved by the state construction code and minimum security fencing and barrier requirements

Monitoring

The chief building official or his/her authorized representative will conduct periodic monitoring to assure compliance with the duties set forth above. Monitoring fees will be billed and paid in advance of the quarter in which they are due. By resolution of the Jackson City Council, the following monitoring fees are established:

Single-Family Structure - $75 per month ($225 per quarter)
2-Family Structure - $100 per month ($300 per quarter)
Multi-Family Structure of 3 - 4 units - $125 per month ($375 per quarter)
Multi-Family Structure of 5 or more units - $125 + $5 per unit over 4 per month ($375 + $15 per unit over 4 per quarter

Display of Property Contact Information

Information Requirements

Foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned residential properties must be posted with a contact number individuals can call to report problems or concerns to the Community Development Department. The following regulations apply:

The posting must be no less than 18 inches by 24 inches, in a font legible from a distance of 45 feet
It shall contain the words "To report problems or concerns call the Community Development Department at 517-788-4060"
It shall also contain the name and contact information of the owner or Responsible Local Agent, if any, with the words: "Is responsible for the maintenance of this property"

Display Requirements

The posting must be placed on the interior of window facing the street to the front of the property so it is visible from the street or secured to the exterior of the building or structure facing the street to the front of the property
Exterior postings must be constructed of and printed with weather-resistant material