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VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION

In January 2019, Trenton City Council passed an ordinance to amend Trenton City Code and increase the fees vacant property owners will have to pay in order to register their properties as vacant properties. In addition to an escalating annual fee for registration, it requires owners to maintain the property to the standards set by the City of Trenton.

The text is available here (.pdf). |  The FAQ is available here

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The ordinance, which unanimously passed City Council, goes into effect immediately.

“This ordinance is meant to deter property owners from sitting on vacant homes and refusing to rent or sell them,” Gusciora said in a written statement. “When a home is vacant, it’s a blight on the surrounding neighborhood and slows down economic development."

The fee increases are based on existing fees in surrounding and comparable cities in New Jersey:

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The fees:

• Initial registration is $500 or prorated amount per Sec. 2(d) of the ordinance

• First annual renewal is $1,300

• Second annual renewal is $2,000

• All subsequent renewals are $3,000 or 5% of the assessed value, whichever is higher.

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  • The ordinance went into effect on January 31st, 2019.

 

  • The fees will apply to vacant buildings only, not vacant lots.

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For further questions, please call the Vacant Property Registration Hotline at (609) 989-3513.

 

Resources (English):

Vacant Property Registration Notification Letter

Vacant Property Registration Rules and Regulations

Vacant Property Registration Application

Vacant Property Exemption Application

 

Documentos (Español):

Reglas y Normas para el Registro de Propiedad Vacantes

Declaración de Registro de Propieded Vacante

Notificación de Requerimiento de Registro de Propiedad Vacante

  • I got a notice about this ordinance, but my property is not vacant!"
    This year, the City sought to inform all property owners of their obligation if their property were to become vacant. If you are sure that your property isn't subject to the ordinance, no action is required. For clarification and questions, call the City of Trenton's Department of Housing and Economic Development at the VPRO hotline - (609) 989-3513.
  • When is a property considered vacant?
    A building or structure is considered vacant if it is not legally occupied or at which all lawful business or construction operations or residential or other occupancy have substantially ceased, and which is in such condition that it cannot legally be re-occupied without repair or rehabilitation.
  • I am between tenants. Is my property considered vacant?
    If the property is habitable, e.g., all building systems are in sound working order, the building and grounds are maintained in good condition, and the property is being actively marketed by its owners for sale or rental, it will not be considered vacant for purposes of this ordinance.
  • When did the ordinance take effect?
    Trenton City Council passed the amending ordinance on January 17, 2019 and Mayor Gusciora signed it into law January 30, 2019, effective immediately.
  • Does the ordinance apply to vacant buildings and lots?
    The ordinance applies to vacant buildings only, not vacant lots.
  • What are the fees?
    -Initial registration: $500 or prorated amount per Sec. 2(d) of the ordinance. -First annual renewal: $1,300 -Second annual renewal: $2,000 -Subsequent annual renewals: $3,000 or 5% of the assessed value, whichever is higher.
  • Are non-profits exempt from the vacant property registration fees?
    Non-profits are not exempt and will be subject to all fees.
  • How about the City and the State?
    Properties belonging to the City of Trenton, the State of New Jersey (and sub-agencies), and Mercer County are exempt.
  • Can the registration fee be waived?
    Yes, only if the owner of the property has plans to renovate/rehabilitate the property within the next twelve months in an effort to obtain a tenant. The owner may submit a written request for a waiver along with plans to the Director of the Department of Housing & Economic Development and the Director may waive the registration fee. In addition, if an owner is experienced in rehabilitation or redevelopment of vacant properties, and where the property is being held for a project of rehabilitation or redevelopment consistent with municipal plans and ordinances, then the owner of the property may submit a written request for a waiver of the fee to the Department of Housing & Economic Development and the Director may waive the registration fee on an annual ongoing basis.
  • Where can I find out if my property is listed as a vacant property based on the most recent survey?
    Right here at this site, www.restoringtrenton.org/map. Check the interactive map for your own property or those on your block. The full list of all properties in Trenton and their status can be downloaded here.
  • I’ve heard I need to post a “registration sign” on my vacant building. What is a “registration sign?”
    Owners are required to post a sign on the structure with the name, address and telephone number of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for the purpose of service of process, and the name, address and telephone number of the entity or individual responsible for maintenance of the property. The sign shall be at least 8”x 24” in dimension, shall include the words “to report problems with this building, call….”, and shall be placed in a location where it is clearly legible from the nearest public street sidewalk.
  • Are there any other requirements in addition to registration under this ordinance?
    Yes. The additional requirements are: Owners must maintain liability insurance, in an amount not less than $300,000.00 for buildings designed primarily for one to four unit residential use and not less than $1,000,000.00 for any other building, including, but not limited to, buildings designed for multifamily, manufacturing, storage or commercial uses, covering any damage to any person or any property caused by any physical condition of or in the building. Owners must maintain the property: Maintain the building(s) in a secure and closed condition
  • What happens if a property owner fails to pay the registration fee or maintain their property in accordance with the ordinance?
    Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance or of the rules shall be fined not less than $250.00 and not more than $1,000.00 for each offense and every day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Moreover, fines assessed under the ordinance shall be recoverable from the owner and shall be a lien on the property.
  • What does the City intend to do with the fees collected under the ordinance?
    At least 50 percent of all the funds resulting from the application of this ordinance shall be deposited in an account that shall be used for the sole purpose of carrying out municipal activities with respect to vacant and distressed properties, including but not limited to code enforcement, abatement of nuisance conditions, stabilization, rehabilitation, and other activities designed to minimize blight and/or promote further productive reuse of properties.
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