Vacant properties need registered by Nov. 16

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison recently adopted a new ordinance requiring all vacant buildings to be registered with the City. This program is designed to ensure vacant properties are being properly maintained. If you own property that has a vacant building, you must register the property with the City by November 16^th, 2022.
Registrations require a fee, however if you register prior to October 15^th, 2022 the registration fee for 2023 will be waived. Information and forms for registration can be found at www.fortmadison-ia.com or by contacting the Building Department at 319-372-7700.

According to the new ordinance, the owner of any building that has become vacant, shall within 90 days after the building becomes vacant or within 30 days after assuming ownership of a building that has already been vacant for 60 days, whichever is later, register the property with the City of Fort Madison.

Properties in foreclosure are required to register within 30 days of filing a “Notice of Default” or “Intent to Foreclose” with the District Court.  Any property owner who fails to register by the deadline will be subject to a late fee and any property that becomes non-compliant will be subject to a penalty fee each month the property remains non-compliant.

Registration with the City of Fort Madison is required for properties that meet the following criteria as outlined in the City Code:

•A building or 50% or more of a building as measured by total square footage of all floors above grade and including previously habitable below grade spaces that are unoccupied and meets one or more of the following conditions: (1) Records of the Lee County Recorder show the property is in lien foreclosure; (2) Windows or entrances to the building are boarded up or closed off, or one or more doors or windows are broken and unrepaired; (3) Doors to the building are damaged, smashed through, caved in, broken off, unhinged, or continuously unlocked; (4) The building is without gas, electric, or water service; (5) Trash service has been discontinued; (6) Water service fails to use a minimum of one hundred (100) gallons per month; (7) Rubbish, trash, putrescible materials or debris has accumulated on the property; (8) Law enforcement agencies have received at least two (2) reports of trespass, vandalism or other illegal acts being committed on the property within twelve (12) months; (9) The yards on the property exhibit grass, lawn, weeds, and other vegetation which are not maintained to a minimum as required by code or to the standards prevailing in the neighborhood; (10) The structure meets any or all of the criteria which would support an action by the City under Iowa Code 657A.10B to obtain title to the property.

The purpose of the Vacant Building Registration Program is essential for the proper enforcement of the City’s building, fire and zoning code and to safeguard persons, property and general welfare.