Vacant Property

Over the past few years, the City has experienced an increase in the number of vacant properties. In an effort to ensure that vacant properties do not create health, safety, and crime issues, the City Council passed the Vacant Property Registration Ordinance found in City Code Section 20 Article IV Vacant Properties (PDF)) in February 2010. Many other cities throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area have adopted similar ordinances.

Residential property, which is vacant for more than 90 days, must now be registered with the City.

Vacant Property

A Vacant Property is:

• A building in any residential zoning district which contains one to four dwelling units, which is unoccupied for 90 or more consecutive days
• An unimproved lot in any residential zoning district, located within 500 feet of an unoccupied house, where both lots are owned by the same owner