The owners of non-residential Phoenix properties must register annually with the city as part of an effort to “respond more efficiently to issues like blight and crime.”

The Phoenix City Council passed the Vacant Property Registry ordinance last month, requiring owners of properties vacant for more than 30 days that meet the following criteria to register with the Neighborhood Services Department:

• Non-residential properties.
• Unimproved land that is 10,000 or more square feet.
• Residential properties with 50 or more units.

“This is a huge win for Phoenix neighborhoods,” Neighborhood Services Department Director Spencer Self said.

“The Vacant Property Registry will enable the city to respond more efficiently to issues like blight and crime and put us in direct contact with property owners to provide essential education and resources.”

The city has been facing challenges with locating property owners, especially those who live out of state, according to a release.

Enforcement will begin on unregistered vacant properties in February, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500.

“We made the registration process very simple,” Self said, noting the free, online portal is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

The Vacant Property Registry is available on myPHX311.

“The Neighborhood Services Department is committed to partnering with residents and providing resources to help preserve and enhance Phoenix neighborhoods,” the director said.

For more: phoenix.gov/nsd/vacantpropertyregistry.

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