Blight is the process through which a previously functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and decrepitude. This negatively impacts communities by increasing infrastructure costs, posing environmental and safety hazards, demoralizing communities, and slowing local economic development.
While much of this site’s resources are dedicated to correcting problem properties that already exist, prevention of blight is a key step to creating a sustainable, vibrant community.
Strategies for Municipalities
The below list is an overview. For more in-depth suggestions for preventing blight through legal tools refer to the WV LEAP Toolkit created by the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic.
Adopt a Legal Framework
Adopt a legal framework to hold properties to clear standards. This involves enacting
the
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) or adopting individual ordinances
based on the code, such as ordinances against the accumulation of trash.
WV State Code refers to vacant and dilapidated buildings. Visit the article 8-12-16 page on demolition and the article 8-12-16a page on registering a property for more details.
Require Owners to Register Properties
Require owners to register rental, vacant and foreclosed properties. This will
help your municipality to better monitor conditions. Through registration, require
owners to provide contact information, pay an annual fee, and learn their responsibilities
under code.
Require Improvements Within a Specific Time Frame
Require buyers to bring properties up to code within a specific time frame after
sale, require pre-sale inspections, and disqualify tax-sale bidders who have tax
delinquencies or code violations.
Offer Grants and Loans
Offer certain grants and loans to low-income or elderly homeowners or small landlords
who lack the money to keep their properties up to code. This will allow them to
make needed repairs to keep their properties inhabitable and occupied. These can
be funded through federal grants such as from the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development or through a local bank. Visit the
funding resources page for more information.
Use Fines, Permit Denials or Criminal Charges
Use fines, permit denials or criminal charges to encourage repair and maintenance
for severely blighted properties that threaten health and safety.
Strategies for Communities
Local community service directory
A simple way to begin a prevention strategy is to let owners/renters know
of the programs that might help them keep their homes or businesses by distributing
a directory of services. This is a list of suggested services to include.
Property Owner Expectations and Responsibilities
Few owners or managers of chronic nuisance property have harmful intentions.
Many will improve management approaches if they are shown how. These are some suggestions
for information to provide owners, to educate them on their responsibilities to
maintain the health and safety of their properties.
Friendly Letter Template
Use this letter to initiate a conversation with the owner of an abandoned/dilapidated
property.
Letter to a helping agency
Engage your community to help create
BAD Buildings Inventory Template. Also refer to the
BAD Building Model.
Create a Land Bank
A land bank is a public authority created to efficiently hold, manage and develop tax-foreclosed property. West Virginia passed the SB579 Land Banks bill in 2014, however the creation of an Urban Renewal Authority (URA) is a more effective route.
Huntington, West Virginia set up a land bank through their Urban Renewal Authority. Visit their website to learn more. We also profiled their experience in a blog article.
For more more information about land banks, check out the WVU Land Use Clinic’s LEAP Toolkit and also this FAQ from the Center for Community Progress.
Create a Blight Fund
Municipalities are encouraged to set aside a certain amount of money that is specifically
dedicated to the goal of preventing blight. This could be designated as a city
budget line item, or through the creation of an Urban Renewal Authority (URA),
which invests in property redevelopment. Charleston, West Virginia is a good example
whose URA has engaged in a number of projects to stimulate neighborhood revitalization;
learn more about them on their website.