- November 28, 2024
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“I am absolutely thrilled as are all of our board members,” Rita Press, president of Citizens For Ormond Beach, told the City Commission at their last meeting.
The officials had just approved an amendment to the abandoned real property ordinance that provides additional provisions for registration, maintenance and security for “zombie” homes, defined as abandoned homes in mortgage default.
Banks or other mortgage holders must register zombie homes with the city, and provide a party that is responsible for maintenance. In the recent action, that city revised codes for these houses in response to citizen complaints about their condition.
Press said the civic group has notified the city about code violations in the past and their response has been “fantastic.” However, they have been seeking more stringent rules for the zombie homes.
“Maybe the next step will be to look hardcore homes that have been abandoned for many years.”
RITA PRESS, president of Citizens For Ormond Beach
The following revisions made to the ordinance apply to houses in mortgage default.
—Abandoned property registration requirements will begin at mortgage default, regardless of vacancy. This means houses will be subject to regulations earlier.
— Trees, hedges, or other vegetation must be trimmed and maintained so that from a street view they do not obscure windows and doors. This will potentially prevent conditions and/or concealment points which may invite criminal activity as well as decrease potential for accidental fire, the new ordinance states.
— The boarding of windows or other openings will be prohibited and broken windows must be repaired or replaced.
— Garage doors must be closed in a secure manner and not remain in such condition which would allow the interior of the structure to be accessed. This includes missing panels.
— The City Manager shall have the authority to expend city funds to bring abandoned real property into compliance. The property owner, or mortgage holder, would then be billed. This allows the city to take care of especially bad or dangerous situations in a timely manner.
Press has asked citizens to let CFOB know about problems houses by going to CFOBonline.com.
The citizens group spent a couple of years on the problem of vacant houses, researching the houses. Press said these changes to the ordinance are a good start.
“We shouldn’t rest on our laurels,” she said “Maybe the next step will be to look at hardcore homes that have been abandoned for many years,” she said.
Shanahan said city staff spent six months developing the changes.
“This is just the first step,” she said. “It’s a community effort. It’s a community solution to a problem.”
City Commissioner Bill Partington agreed that it’s an example of the city and the community working together to solve a problem.
