Contact

Housing & Community Standards
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Phone: (763) 569-3330
Fax: (763) 569-3494
Email

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Resources

Assessing Information

Home Purchase Programs

Rental Licensing

FAQs

When did the vacant building ordinance go into effect?

The maintenance and requirements of the ordinance go into effect December 20, 2008. The registration process will begin February 4, 2009. Any property that has been vacant for more than 30 days is required to be registered.

The city’s home ownership purchasing program will be available in March 2009 for properties that were foreclosed and registered as vacant properties in accordance with the city ordinance.
Why was the vacant building ordinance adopted by the city?

Since 2007, the city has experienced a large number of mortgage foreclosures and subsequent vacant properties in its neighborhoods creating a negative impact socially and economically. Foreclosures and vacant properties are some of the top concerns of residents who have enjoyed and expect a high standard of living in this community. It is important for the city to monitor the market conditions, assess property conditions, provide a mechanism to stabilize neighborhoods, and provide an opportunity to attract responsible homeowners in order to revitalize the community.

The majority of foreclosed and vacant properties were not being maintained in a respectful, good condition. An excessive demand was being put on limited city resources to monitor and ensure the properties were maintained in a safe, good condition so they did not attract illegal activities or become a blight to the community. Over 80% of the properties had exterior code violations including maintenance items such as long grass / weeds, garbage / junk / debris, unsecured buildings, etc. (2008 Vacant Building Study).

The registration process provides a mechanism to provide community data and incorporate other city foreclosure initiatives, including re-occupying these properties with responsible homeowners or businesses as appropriate or removing distressed, unsafe, and unmarketable properties. 3. What is the purpose of the vacant building program? The purpose of the vacant building program is to:
What is the purpose of the vacant building program?
The purpose of the vacant building program is to:
- Ensure the property is maintained in a safe and healthful condition.
- Ensure the property does not become a public nuisance, target for vandalism and illegal activity, and blight to the neighborhood.
- Identify properties that are life / safety hazards, distressed, unmarketable, and should be demolished.
- Maintain and improve the city's housing stock and preserve property values.
- Provide a mechanism to promote the community and these properties with the partnership of the private sector; provide sound, safe housing; and
- maintain the value in investments for current and future residents and businesses.
When is a property required to be registered as a vacant building?
A residential or commercial property where an entire building on a parcel has been vacant for more than 30 days. For example, this includes a single-family property, a single commercial building that is vacant on a parcel, and a multi-family building that does not have any occupants.

Some exemptions to vacant building registration include:
- A parcel of land that does not have a building located on it.
- Any multi-unit building on a single parcel that has one or more occupants is not considered vacant. Examples include an apartment complex that has a few units available for rent or a multi-tenant commercial property with a space available for rent.
- Extended vacationers or snowbirds - A resident on an extended vacation or alternative living arrangement, including over winter months (snowbird), with the intention to return to the property and live is exempt from registering the vacant building. However, a verified emergency contact number where the property owner is located must be provided and the property must be maintained by a local person / agent so it does not appear to be vacant.
- Fire-damaged property - A building that has suffered fire damage is exempt from registration if the cleanup, repair, or demolition is completed within 90 days after the date of the fire, and if the exemption is requested in writing.
Can I register a foreclosed vacant property early and participate in the city’s housing programs?

Please be advised that the city can only register properties that meet the requirements of the vacant building ordinance, and only these properties will be eligible for the city housing purchase programs. Vacant building registration applications received prior to 30 days of vacancy will be registered and eligible after the 30 days of vacancy.
How do I register a vacant building?

Complete a Vacant Building Registration Application and submit the appropriate fee to the city.

Based on the review of vacant properties, most properties have violations and will fit under Type II with a $400 fee. For owners of newly vacated properties, you have 30 days to bring the property into compliance with city codes, which would result in meeting Type I, a $100 fee category. If you certify that your property does not have any code violations, you will need to call to schedule a visit at the site with the inspector.

Properties in better condition will also have a better chance of selling and at a higher value than properties in poor condition. If you certify that your property does not have any violations (peeling paint, junk / garbage, long grass / weeds, or a fence or other items in poor repair), you must call to schedule an on-site visit with the inspector.

For 2009, all properties will be in the first-year category, regardless of the length of time they have been vacant.
Does the City of Brooklyn Center require a Point of Sale inspection for real estate transactions?

No, however if the property is vacant for 30 days or more, the property must be registered with our Vacant Building Program.

More FAQs

Vacant Building Program

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Similar to other cities throughout the nation, Brooklyn Center has experienced a high number of mortgage foreclosures. Vacant properties have become prevalent in many neighborhoods. The number of resident concerns and the increased staff time used to follow up on vacant property concerns indicated that the city needed to have a greater influence on the condition and re-occupancy of these foreclosed, vacant properties.

A study of vacant properties was conducted in the summer of 2008, providing some background information for the vacant building ordinance and registration requirements. In addition, feedback was obtained from various mortgage companies, property servicers, residents, and other cities with similar issues as part of the ordinance development process.

Vacant Building Registration

Registrations are now available online through our online permitting system.

A residential or commercial property where an entire building on a parcel has been vacant for more than 30 days must be registered with the City. For example, this includes a single-family property, a single commercial building that is vacant on a parcel, and a multi-family building that does not have any occupants.

Some exemptions to vacant building registration include:

A parcel of land that does not have a building located on it.
Any multi-unit building on a single parcel that has one or more occupants is not considered vacant. Examples include an apartment complex that has a few units available for rent or a multi-tenant commercial property with a space available for rent.
Extended vacationers or snowbirds - A resident on an extended vacation or alternative living arrangement, including over winter months (snowbird), with the intention to return to the property and live is exempt from registering the vacant building. However, a verified emergency contact number where the property owner is located must be provided and the property must be maintained by a local person / agent so it does not appear to be vacant.
Fire-damaged property - A building that has suffered fire damage is exempt from registration if the cleanup, repair, or demolition is completed within 90 days after the date of the fire, and if the exemption is requested in writing.

Foreclosure Strategy

Program Resources

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