Ordinance 3127-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

,111P ORDINANCE NO. 3127-09 An Ordinance Regulating Exterior Building Maintenance and Street- - vacant Commercial Space in the Central Business District, Adding a New Chapter to Title 16 of the Everett Municipal Code. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Everett finds that the Central Business District (the "CBD") is an important center of retail commerce and that economic development should be encouraged in the CBD; and WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this Ordinance to encourage commercial activity, including redeveloping rundown or unused property, promote a safe and vibrant streetscape, and protect the value of properties and businesses in the CBD; and WHEREAS, poorly maintained buildings create the appearance of neglect, suggest that enforcement of codes and regulations is lax or non-existent, and foster blight and criminal activity, jeopardizing the health, safety and welfare of Everett's citizens; and WHEREAS, street-level commercial space left vacant for long periods of time can diminish the value of neighboring properties and adversely affect nearby businesses and the character and vitality of the CBD and, if poorly maintained or not in a rentable condition, can become a cause of blight; and WHEREAS, vacant commercial space causing blight in the CBD can attract nuisance and criminal activity that is a threat to the public health, safety and welfare; and WHEREAS, these conditions discourage the development of retail commerce in the CBD; and WHEREAS, well-maintained buildings suggest actively enforced codes and regulations and contribute to an environment that discourages criminal activity and protects property values; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City Council that this Ordinance applies retroactively to commercial space that has been vacant for the 90 days preceding September 1, 2009, the effective date of this Ordinance; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: 1