Yesterday, West Palm Beach's city commission unanimously voted to create a database that will require banks to register foreclosed properties and provide contact information for a property manager. The database was approved in an effort to hold banks responsible for maintaining the foreclosed properties in a manner in keeping with local ordinances. The property manager must live within 20 miles of the property and will be required to post a sign on the property that gives their contact information so that residents and code enforcers can contact them if there is a problem with the property. The properties will be inspected by code enforcers every two weeks.
The motion was passed because, according to Development Services Director Doug Wise, the city spends thousands of dollars per day cleaning up the unkempt properties. In order to pass along this cost to the property owners or the banks, the ordinance will be tied in with the city's Chronic Nuisance Abatement Code, which allows a magistrate to order code enforcement and police services billed to a resident's tax bill.
This is an excellent decision by the city. Neglected properties are an eyesore that detract from local property values. They are also a problem because snakes and other animals can take up residence in long grass, posing a threat to neighbors and pets. Finally, if the banks are choosing to hold onto these properties for an unnecessarily long time, they must realize they are going to be held to the same laws as all of the other homeowners.
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