Huntington Plans to Reduce Number of Vacant Properties

The city of Huntington has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the number of vacant residences and buildings in the community.

The State Journal reports that the Huntington City Council has approved an ordinance to create a vacant property register.

Under the new policy, owners must register any building that has been vacant for longer than 30 days. If a property remains registered for longer than a year, the owner could pay an annual fee on the building. After that, the fee would increase each year the structure remains vacant.

Mayor Steve Williams says he hopes the register will incentivize owners to do something with their properties instead of letting them remain unoccupied.

Huntington communications director Bryan Chambers says owners are being asked to self-register their properties.