SCS/SBs 876, 877, 880 & 916 - This act makes several changes related to the improvement of property. All parts of the act are limited to Kansas City and Jackson County.

VACANT PROPERTY FEES - This act would allow any city within Jackson County to impose, by ordinance, a quarterly fee of $200 on owners of residential property or commercial housing property if that property is vacant, has been vacant for 6 months, and is in violation of the housing code. A municipal officer shall make the initial determination, and the owner may appeal or improve the property within thirty days. If improved, the owner may ask for reinspection. If the fee is still imposed, the owner may still appeal. Delinquent fees shall become a lien upon the property.

FORECLOSED PROPERTY - The act restricts the use of redemption contracts on tax foreclosed residential property which has been vacant for at least six months. It would also bar the sale of tax foreclosed property to persons who owe delinquent property taxes on other property within the same county. Some procedures for sheriff's sales are specified.

ABANDONED PROPERTY, REHABILITATION - The act revises procedures for rehabilitating abandoned property for low and moderate income housing purposes. The definition of parties in interest are redefined, and the process for obtaining a property deed is streamlined.

ZONING VIOLATIONS - Violators of zoning ordinances are subject to increased fines and to imprisonment. The maximum fine is raised from $10 to $500 per day for the first violation. Ten days in jail may be imposed for any violation; current law limits jail time to willful violations.
MIKE HOEFERKAMP