Vacant Building Registry

On May 16, 2013 the Auburn City Council Passed Ordinance #5 of 2013 adding Chapter 183 of the City Code entitled "Vacant Building Registry/”

All vacant buildings within the city must be registered with the Fire Department no later than 30 days after becoming vacant or after being notified by a Code Enforcement Officer. The registration form included must be completed and returned along with the Initial Registration fee of $300.00 for the first year. 

2023 Vacant Building Registry Fee Schedule:
First Year Registration                        $   300.00 City Code Sec. 183‐4(I)
Beginning of Second Year                  $   600.00
Beginning of Third Year                      $1,200.00
Beginning of Fourth Year                    $1,800.00
Beginning of Fifth Year and Beyond   $2,500.00

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Anna Hlywa at (315) 255-4194

Definitions:

Vacant Building: A building, a portion of a building, or a structure which is any one of the following:

1. Unoccupied and unsecured;
2. Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means;
3. Unoccupied and an unsafe building as determined by an Enforcement Officer;
4. Unoccupied and an Enforcement Officer has issued an order to correct violations;
5. Illegally occupied; or

Unoccupied Building: A building or portion thereof which lacks habitual presence of human beings who have a legal right to be on the premises, including buildings ordered vacated by an Enforcement Officer.  In determining whether a building is unoccupied, the Enforcement Officer may consider these factors, among others:

• Whether lawful residential or business activity has ceased;
• The percentage of the overall square footage of the occupied to unoccupied space or the overall number of occupied and unoccupied units;
• The building is substantially devoid of contents or the minimal value of fixtures or personal property in the building;
• The building lacks utility service;
• The building is subject to a foreclosure action;
• Duration of vacancy; and/or
• The presence or reoccurrence of code violations.

Unsecured: A building or portion of a building that is open to entry by unauthorized persons without the use of tools or ladders.

Secured by Other Than Normal Means: A building secured by means other than those used in the design and approved plans for the building.