Chief Patron

Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth)

Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth)
Served: 1992–

Status

02/05/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee
View Entire History

Summary

Derelict structures.  Authorizes a locality, by ordinance, to impose on the record owner of a derelict structure, a fee not to exceed the lesser of $2,500 or 15 percent of the most recently assessed value of the derelict structure and the land upon which the structure is situated if such owner or owners fail to (i) respond in writing within 30 days from the date notice declaring such structure derelict is sent with an abatement or removal plan to be completed within a reasonable time or (ii) abate or remove the derelict structure within the time prescribed in a plan for abatement or removal which has been approved by the locality. Also, a locality may provide that any owner or owners of such derelict structure who fail to (i) respond to a notice in writing with an abatement or removal plan or (ii) abate or remove the derelict structure as prescribed in an approved plan, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $2,500. The bill also allows a locality to abate or remove the derelict structure should the owner fail to act; the cost of which shall be a lien on the property. The bill defines derelict structure.