In November of 2020, the Independence City Council passed Ordinance No. 19175 adopting the "Vacant Structure Registration and Maintenance" program. The purpose of this program is to identify, register and monitor vacant structures, and set forth the responsibility for all people owning vacant structures, to speed the rehabilitation and re-occupancy of said vacant structures.
As part of the program, a vacant structure means:
The registration is valid for 6-months and must be renewed every 6-months until the structure is occupied or demolished. The application, including the Independence Police Letter of Enforcement and registration payment must be made within 14 days.
Any owner that fails to comply with the registration requirements shall be subject to the general penalty provisions as provided in Chapter 4 of the Independence City Code. All fees, costs and charges assessed or incurred by the City shall constitute a lien on the real estate upon which such vacant structure is situated.
The Vacant Property Registration Program requires maintenance to a certain standard. The property and structure must:
Properties will receive regular proactive inspections to ensure compliance with the program maintenance requirements. Any violations must be addressed.
Learn more about the Vacant Structure Registration Program by contacting Cheryl Wrisinger or Perry Hill at vacantstructures@indepmo.org or by phone at (816) 325-7628.