Vacant Building By-law to drive re-development and promote safety

In an effort to drive re-development of derelict properties and protect public safety the City of St. Catharines is taking steps to address issues associated with vacant buildings.

On Monday, City Council passed a Vacant Building Registry By-law that aims to address issues associated with such properties and encourage property owners to not leave buildings empty for extended periods of time. Traditionally the City has addressed issues associated with vacant buildings on a complaint-driven basis.

If not properly monitored and maintained many vacant buildings develop property standards violations alongside Building and Fire Code deficiencies creating issues with beautification efforts, public safety, trespassing and increased risk of fire.

The new by-law requires owners to register their vacant buildings. Registration will trigger ongoing monitoring of such properties by by-law enforcement staff to ensure vacant buildings are safely closed off and all applicable property standards and Building Code requirements are met.

“By keeping tabs on vacant buildings in the community we can address numerous issues. Vacant buildings are disproportionately more likely to be the site of a fire; can present several safety issues, especially if not properly closed off; and negatively impact property values if not well maintained,” said Chief Building Official John Lane, adding, “the by-law ensures structures in our community are regularly monitored to reduce risk to residents and ultimately urge property owners to fill unused buildings.”

Owners with vacant properties will be required to pay a $350 one-time administrative fee and $800 annual registration fee to cover the staff resources of enhanced monitoring. These additional costs will act as an impetus for owners to fill vacant buildings, improving housing and commercial building supply in the city.

Several building types and structures are exempt from the by-law including buildings under demolition or subject to building permits; non-residential farm buildings; government controlled properties; and buildings used on a seasonal basis.