By Sara Beth Williams–
The city of Citrus Heights issued a new FlashVote survey on Monday, with questions focusing on commercial building vacancies.
FlashVote surveys are issued occasionally to Citrus Heights residents who sign up for the survey and data is used to inform city policymaking decisions. Residents interested in signing up to receive surveys can visit the city’s FlashVote sign-up page. FlashVote surveys are only open for 48 hours.
The survey comes on the heels of a proposed commercial property reoccupancy ordinance which several business and property owners spoke out against during a public workshop held on Aug. 11.
The reoccupancy ordinance is designed to provide guidelines and support for property owners in order to ultimately help reduce blight, prevent crime, practice proactive maintenance, and maintain properties so that they are “market ready.” the city said during the workshop.
The ordinance would require owners of long-term vacant commercial properties to register annually with the city for a $1,300 fee, follow maintenance standards (such as signage, security, and appearance), and pay fees to cover the cost of program administration and enforcement.
Property owners would also be required to pay monitoring fees annually, which would cost about $1,100 for properties that are less than one acre and $5,600 for vacant properties that are larger than one acre.
The latest survey offers residents several questions to consider related to commercial vacancies, including, asking residents about their experiences with vacant commercial buildings in the city, asking residents what concerns them the most regarding long-term commercial vacancies, asking how the city should address potential concerns, and asking residents if they would support or oppose a commercial vacancy property ordinance.
Survey results are typically available in two days. To find the survey, and to sign up to receive surveys, visit FlashVote’s website.
