Las Cruces adopts ordinance targeting vacant, abandoned properties

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- The City of Las Cruces adopted an ordinance to address abandoned properties.

The Vacant and Abandoned Property Maintenance Ordinance requires the city to address long-term vacancies, encourage property maintenance, and support neighborhood revitalization.

The ordinance applies to residential and commercial properties that haven't been lawfully occupied or in operation for at least two consecutive years, the city said. For properties with multiple tenants, at least 50% of the residential spaces or commercial leasable area must meet the two-year vacancy requirement.

Property owners will have to register annually with the city, provide contact information and measures to keep the property in compliance with the new standards. The Community Development Department will use an online public registry.

Annual registration fees increase based on how long a property remains registered:

• Residential properties: $500 in the first year, $1,000 in the second year, and $2,000 annually beginning in the third year.
• Commercial and qualifying multi-tenant properties: $2,000 in the first year, $4,000 in the second year, and $8,000 annually beginning in the third year.

When property owners take qualifying steps toward construction, rehabilitation, sale or leasing, they may see temporary fee exemptions, the city said. Owners may also see exemptions when they work with the city to preserve qualifying historic properties.

Exemptions require the city's approval. The ordinance also provides a process for property owners to challenge a vacancy assessment or exemption decision.

"Through these requirements, the City aims to strengthen owner accountability, reduce the impacts of neglected properties, and encourage reinvestment in existing neighborhoods and commercial areas," the city said in a press release.