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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111015ssa Agenda PackageMi s s i o n S t a t e m e n t To p r o t e c t t h e c i t i z e n s o f H a r n e t t C o u n t y a n d t h e i r p r o p e r t i e s ag a i n s t t h e h a r m f u l e f f e c t s r e l a t e d t o d e r e l i c t p r o p e r t y c o n d i t i o n s .  Re m o v e h a z a r d o u s c o n d i t i o n s t h a t m a y c o m p r o m i s e t h e h e a l t h , sa f e t y a n d g e n e r a l w e l f a r e o f t h e c i t i z e n s n e a r n e g l e c t e d a n d di l a p i d a t e d p r o p e r t i e s .  Mi n i m i z e t h e d e c l i n e i n a d v a l o r e m t a x b a s e s u f f e r e d t h r o u g h de c r e a s e d p r o p e r t y v a l u e s t h a t r e s u l t f r o m t h e n e g a t i v e i m p a c t o f de r e l i c t p r o p e r t i e s .  In c r e a s e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r d e v e l o p m e n t w i t h i n e s t a b l i s h e d co m m u n i t i e s .  Re m o v e s t r u c t u r e s t h a t c o n t r i b u t e t o u n w a n t e d a n d / o r c r i m i n a l be h a v i o r .  Im p r o v e d q u a l i t y o f l i f e f o r t h e c i t i z e n s o f H a r n e t t C o u n t y .  St a b i l i z a t i o n a n d p o t e n t i a l f o r i n c r e a s e o f t h e a d v a l o r e m b a s e .  Re v i t a l i z a t i o n o f p r e v i o u s l y d e v e l o p e d p r o p e r t i e s .  Ut i l i z a t i o n o f e x i s t i n g i n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d s u p p o r t s e r v i c e s .  Re d u c t i o n i n o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r u n l a w f u l a c t i v i t i e s .  He l p c r e a t e a e s t h e t i c a l l y p l e a s i n g c o m m u n i t i e s a n d n e i g h b o r h o o d s . Pu b l i c  He a l t h Bu i l d i n g  In s p e c t i o n s Ta x Pl a n n i n g So l i d  Wa s t e Sh e r i f f Fi r e  Ma r s h a l St a f f  Attorney Fi n a n c e Pr o b l e m P r o p e r t i e s A b a t e m e n t P r o g r a m u t i l i z e s t h e s t a t u t o r y a u t h o r i t y g r a n t e d t h r o u g h th e N o r t h C a r o l i n a G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y . 13 0 A - 2 0 ( A b a t e m e n t o f a n I m m i n e n t H a z a r d ) 1 5 3 A - 1 2 1 ( G e n e r a l O r d i n a n c e - M a k i n g P o w e r ) 15 3 A - 1 2 3 ( E n f o r c e m e n t o f O r d i n a n c e s ) 1 5 3 A - 1 5 8 ( P o w e r t o A c q u i r e P r o p e r t y ) 15 3 A - 1 7 6 ( D i s p o s i t i o n o f P r o p e r t y ) 1 5 3 A - 3 6 5 (D e f e c t s i n B u i l d i n g t o B e C o r r e c t e d ) 15 3 A - 3 6 6 ( U n s a f e B u i l d i n g s C o n d e m n e d ) 1 5 3 A - 3 6 9 ( O r d e r t o T a k e C o r r e c t i v e A c t i o n ) 15 3 A - 3 7 1 ( F a i l u r e t o C o m p l y W i t h O r d e r ) 1 5 3 A - 3 7 2 ( E q u i t a b l e E n f o r c e m e n t ) 15 3 A - 3 6 8 ( A c t i o n i n E v e n t o f F a i l u r e t o T a k e C o r r e c t i v e A c t i o n ) 15 3 A - 3 7 2 . 1 ( O r d i n a n c e A u t h o r i z e d A s T o R e p a i r , C l o s i n g , a n d D e m o l i t i o n o f N o n r e s i d e n t i a l Bu i l d i n g s o r S t r u c t u r e s ; O r d e r o f P u b l i c O f f i c e r )  De t e c t i o n  & Re p o r t i n g  In s p e c t i o n s  Ev a l u a t i o n s  Pr i o r i t i z a t i o n  Pr o p e r  Ab a t e m e n t  Me t h o d s  Im m i n e n t H a z a r d Pr o c e d u r e s f o r t h e a b a t e m e n t o f a n i m m i n e n t h a z a r d s h a l l b e c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h o s e s p e c i f i e d i n Ge n e r a l S t a t u t e s 1 3 0 A - 2 0 . A b a t e m e n t a c t i o n s sh o u l d b e p e r f o r m e d b y a n a p p r o v e d c o n t r a c t o r ha v i n g t h e k n o w l e d g e , e x p e r i e n c e a n d e q u i p m e n t n e c e ss a r y t o p e r f o r m t h e d e l e g a t e d d u t i e s . I t sh a l l b e t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f t h e c o n t r a c t o r t o ob t a i n a l l n e c e s s a r y p e r m i t s a n d / o r a p p r o v a l s f r o m an y l o c a l , s t a t e o r f e d e r a l a g e n c i e s .  Bu i l d i n g C o n d e m n a t i o n Co n d e m n a t i o n o f s t r u c t u r e s s h a l l f o l l o w t h e p r e s c r ib e d g u i d e l i n e s s p e c i f i e d i n G e n e r a l S t a t u t e ’ s 15 3 A - 3 6 5 t h r u 1 5 3 A - 3 7 2 . A b a t e m e n t a c t i o n s s h o u l d b e p e r f o r m e d b y a n a p p r o v e d c o n t r a c t o r ha v i n g t h e k n o w l e d g e , e x p e r i e n c e a n d e q u i p m e n t n e c e ss a r y t o p e r f o r m t h e d e l e g a t e d d u t i e s . I t sh a l l b e t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f t h e c o n t r a c t o r t o ob t a i n a l l n e c e s s a r y p e r m i t s a n d / o r a p p r o v a l s f r o m an y l o c a l , s t a t e o r f e d e r a l a g e n c i e s .  Ta x F o r e c l o s u r e Fo r e c l o s u r e p r o c e e d i n g s s h a l l b e u t i l i z e d a s p r e s cr i b e d i n C h a p t e r 1 0 5 , A r t i c l e 2 6 o f t h e G e n e r a l St a t u t e s . I n s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e p r o p e r t i e s h a v e be e n d e s i g n a t e d a s p r o b l e m a t i c a n d h a v e u n d e r g o n e th e f o r e c l o s u r e p r o c e s s , H a r n e t t C o u n t y r e s e r v e s t h e r i g h t t o o b t a i n o w n e r s h i p a n d a b a t e t h e pr o p e r t y i n t h e i n t e r e s t o f p u b l i c s a f e t y .  Pr o g r a m F u n d i n g Fu n d i n g a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a b a t e m e n t p r o c e e d i n g s s h a l l b e ap p r o v e d b y t h e H a r n e t t C o u n t y B o a r d o f C o m m i s s i o n e r s . A l l ex p e n d i t u r e s s h a l l b e s u b m i t t e d a n d a p p r o v e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h Ha r n e t t C o u n t y p o l i c i e s .  Ab a t e m e n t C o s t R e i m b u r s e m e n t Ha r n e t t C o u n t y s h a l l m a k e e v e r y a tt e m p t t o r e c o v e r y a n y a n d a l l fu n d i n g a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a b a t e m e n t a c t i o n s . T h e u t i l i z a t i o n o f pr o p e r t y l i e n s , f o r e c l o s u r e a n d t h e s a l e a n d d i s p o s i t i o n o f pr o p e r t y a r e m e t h o d s t h a t c o u l d b e t a k e n t o e n s u r e re i m b u r s e m e n t o f a b a t e m e n t c o s t s . Si t e s h a v e b e e n i d e n t i f i e d i n v i r t u a l l y e v e r y T o w n s h i p w i t h i n t h e C o u n t y . Pr o b l e m  Pr o p e r t y  Pr i o r  To  Ab a t e m e n t Be n e f i t s  an d  Re s u l t s  of  Pr o p e r t y  Abatement Di l a p i d a t e d D o u b l e w i d e M a n u f a c t u r e d H o m e Va c a n t a n d A b a n d o n e d To t a l A d V a l o r e m P r o p e r t y T a x V a l u e $ 2 9 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 Ne w l y C o n s t r u c t e d D w e l l i n g W i t h A D e t a c h e d Ga r a g e / S t o r a g e B u i l d i n g To t a l A d V a l o r e m P r o p e r t y T a x V a l u e $ 2 3 0 , 2 3 0 . 0 0 Problem Properties Abatement Program Program Mission To protect the citizens of Harnett County and their properties against the harmful effects related to derelict property conditions. Program Goals  Remove hazardous conditions that may compromise the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens near neglected and dilapidated properties.  Minimize the decline in ad valorem tax base suffered through decreased property values that result from the negative impact of derelict properties.  Increase opportunities for development within established communities.  Remove structures that contribute to unwanted and/or criminal behavior. Long Term Benefits  Improved quality of life for the citizens of Harnett County.  Stabilization and potential for increase of the ad valorem base.  Revitalization of previously developed properties.  Utilization of existing infrastructure and support services.  Reduction in opportunities for unlawful activities.  Help create aesthetically pleasing communities and neighborhoods. Program Regulatory Authority Problem Properties Abatement Program utilizes the statutory authority granted through the North Carolina General Assembly. 130A-20 (Abatement of an Imminent Hazard) 153A-121 (General Ordinance-Making Power) 153A-123 (Enforcement of Ordinances) 153A-158 (Power to Acquire Property) 153A-176 (Disposition of Property) 153A-365 (Defects in Building to Be Corrected) 153A-366 (Unsafe Buildings Condemned) 153A-369 (Order to Take Corrective Action) 153A-371 (Failure to Comply With Order) 153A-372 (Equitable Enforcement) 153A-368 (Action in Event of Failure to Take Corrective Action) 153A-372.1 (Ordinance Authorized As To Repair, Closing, and Demolition of Nonresidential Buildings or Structures; Order of Public Officer) Public Health Planning Building Inspections Fire Marshal Sheriff Staff Attorney Tax Finance Solid Waste Program Procedures Detection Methods Properties are typically identified through complaints lodged by citizens or staff members from various departments. Reporting Complaints of problematic properties should be filed with Randy Baker who serves as the Program Administrator. All complaints should give reference to the specific location of the property and the general nature of the complaint. Complainant’s contact information should also be documented if available. Inspections The administrator shall perform an inspection on the property to evaluate the current physical conditions as well as solicit additional inspections by other applicable agencies to assist in the evaluation. Evaluations The administrator shall consult with additional county personnel to evaluate the conditions of properties and determine if any enforcement or abatement actions are warranted. If abatement actions are warranted, the evaluation summary should include the following information:  Any defects or violations detected and the proper abatement actions required to remedy the situation.  The level of urgency for abatement actions.  Location of the property as it relates to the proximity of subdivisions, schools, churches, daycares and other areas of public assembly.  Property ownership verification and current tax status. Prioritizing Actions Properties will be prioritized for abatement actions by the Problem Properties Review Committee (PPRC) using a scoring system that takes into consideration the following factors:  Imminent Hazards (Risk to the public health and safety)  NC State Building Code Compliance (Structural stability & safety)  Location of Structure (Proximity to subdivisions and public areas)  Property History (Past violations, nuisances or criminal activities)  Abatement Costs (Ensure proper funding for abatement is available)  Abatement Time (Total of time needed to conclude abatement) Methods of Abatement Various methods may be utilized for abatement purposes. Each situation is to be evaluated to determine the proper method of abatement as it relates to the condition of the property. The following are some of the typical methods to gain compliance with problematic properties:  Declaration of an Imminent Hazard (Environmental Health)  Structure or building condemnation (Building Inspections)  Foreclosure (Tax) None of these methods require the presence or implementation of a Minimum Housing Code or Nuisance Ordinance. Abatement Procedures (Set forth by the North Carolina General Statutes)  Imminent Hazard Procedures for the abatement of an imminent hazard shall be consistent with those specified in General Statutes 130A-20. Abatement actions should be performed by an approved contractor having the knowledge, experience and equipment necessary to perform the delegated duties. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain all necessary permits and/or approvals from any local, state or federal agencies.  Building Condemnation Condemnation of structures shall follow the prescribed guidelines specified in General Statute’s 153A-365 thru 153A-372. Abatement actions should be performed by an approved contractor having the knowledge, experience and equipment necessary to perform the delegated duties. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain all necessary permits and/or approvals from any local, state or federal agencies.  Tax Foreclosure Foreclosure proceedings shall be utilized as prescribed in Chapter 105, Article 26 of the General Statutes. In situations where properties have been designated as problematic and have undergone the foreclosure process, Harnett County reserves the right to obtain ownership and abate the property in the interest of public safety. Abatement Contractors Harnett County may solicit bids from contractors to perform abatement actions necessary to render compliance. Contractors eligible to submit bids must be pre-approved and be a registered vendor of Harnett County. In order to be approved as an eligible contractor, an application must be submitted to the Problem Properties Administrator for review. All contractors performing demolition services are required to perform any necessary testing or reporting and secure all required permits and approvals from local, state or federal agencies. A contract will be required to be signed by the County and the contractor that contains a scope of service agreement detailing the requirements and expectations of both parties. Payment for abatement actions shall only be made after the site has been inspected and approved by the program administrator. Program Funding Funding associated with abatement proceedings shall be approved by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. All expenditures shall be submitted and approved in accordance with Harnett County policies. Abatement Cost Reimbursement Harnett County shall make every attempt to recovery any and all funding associated with abatement actions. The utilization of property liens, foreclosure and the sale and disposition of property are methods that could be taken to ensure reimbursement of abatement costs. Detected Areas of Involvement Sites have been identified in virtually every Township within the County. Doublewide Manufactured Home Rendered Uninhabitable Due To Fire Doublewide Manufactured Home Rendered Uninhabitable Due To Vandalism 87 Stone Wood Lane Barbecue Township Carolina Hills Subdivision 12 Castle Wood Drive Barbecue Township Carolina Hills Subdivision 44 Laraine Court Black River Township Northport Court Subdivision Stick Built Homes Rendered Uninhabitable Due To Fire 464 Bluff Ridge Lane Black River Township Cross Link Subdivision Examples of Problem Properties across Harnett County Johnsonville Township Black River Township Barbecue Township Stewart’s Creek Township Anderson Creek Township Averasboro Township Problem Property Prior To Abatement Benefits and Results of Property Abatement Ab Remember When It Looked Like This? Dilapidated Doublewide Manufactured Home Vacant and Abandoned Total Ad Valorem Property Tax Value $29,000.00 Look At What We Have Now! Newly Constructed Dwelling With A Detached Garage/Storage Building Total Ad Valorem Property Tax Value $ 230,230.00