By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights is taking steps to address the growing number of vacant commercial buildings by introducing a proposed Commercial Property Reoccupancy Ordinance through a workshop to be held on Aug. 11.
City officials have released a draft of the ordinance and announced that an informational workshop on the ordinance will be held on Monday, Aug. 11, from 3 to 4 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the proposed program. Members of the public, including property owners and business leaders, are welcome.
The proposed ordinance stems from the city’s annual strategic planning meeting in March, where the City Council identified rising vacancies in commercial properties as a concern and directed city staff to explore a Vacant Building Ordinance that would help “encourage the upkeep and reuse of vacant properties,” according to the city’s website.
The ordinance aims to ensure that vacant commercial properties are properly maintained and secured, while also encouraging reinvestment and occupancy. According to the city, the new ordinance is intended to support public safety, neighborhood quality, and long-term community well-being by ensuring vacant properties meet minimum property maintenance and safety standards, prevent deterioration, and encourage proactive reoccupancy.
Key provisions of the ordinance include a requirement for property owners to register commercial buildings that have been vacant for more than 30 days. Registered properties would be subject to regular inspections and must meet specific maintenance and safety standards, both inside and out. Alarm systems or physical security monitoring would be required to deter trespassing and nuisance activity.
In an effort to promote transparency, vacant properties would also be required to display a sign with the property owner or manager’s contact information. Annual registration and monitoring fees would support the city’s enforcement efforts, though property owners may be eligible for partial fee refunds once a building is legally reoccupied and passes inspection.
A copy of the draft ordinance on the city’s website does not include specific fee amounts, and says such fees “shall be set by resolution of the City Council.”
To aid in compliance and support business revitalization, the city plans to offer a Reoccupancy Support Packet to property owners at the time of registration. The packet includes maintenance checklists, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines, staff contact directories, and business marketing and permitting resources.
Exemptions to the ordinance will apply to properties under active construction with valid permits. Owners of well-maintained, partially occupied properties with no recent code violations may also request relief from monitoring fees.
The ordinance applies to all commercial properties within the city that meet the definitions of a vacant commercial property, including partially vacant structures and those under foreclosure or in significant disrepair.
The informational workshop will be held at City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. For more information, or to attend the upcoming workshop, visit citrusheights.net.
Editor’s Note: The Sunrise MarketPlace business improvement district’s board has voted to oppose the city’s proposed ordinance. An in-depth story on the draft ordinance and comment from SMP will be published in the upcoming Civic Edition this week. To subscribe to Midweek and Civic Editions, click here.
