Blight and Vacant Properties

BLIGHT AND VACANT PROPERTY ORDINANCE ADOPTED IN THE CITY OF WINCHESTER JULY 2021

HOW THIS TAX WORKS
Classification of blighted and derelict properties:

A derelict building, as defined in City Code Sec. 6-132, along with the land such building is located on, shall be classified as a Class 2 property and shall be taxed at a rate of 10% more than the prevailing tax rate applicable to the general class of real property under City Code Sec. 27-10 (the “Derelict Property Tax Rate”).

Blighted property, as defined in City Code Sec. 6-132, along with the land such property is located on, shall be classified as Class 3 property, and shall be taxed at a rate of 5% more than the prevailing tax rate applicable to the general class of real property under City Code Sec. 27-10 (the “Blighted Property Tax Rate”).

Whenever a derelict building or blighted property is repaired or abated and the owner desires to have the derelict or blighted declaration removed and the property reclassified, the owner shall file an application with the Real Estate Administrator, in the manner as may be prescribed by the City Manager or his designee. Upon a determination that the property no longer constitutes a derelict building or blighted property, the Commissioner of Revenue shall reclassify such property to the original, general class of real property and the tax rate shall revert to the applicable real property tax rate currently in effect.

This tax is placed on a property at six month intervals, either with the June 20th or December 5th Real Estate Billing Cycles.

FIND A MAP OF CURRENT PROPERTIES CURRENTLY DESIGNATED AS BLIGHT OR VACANT IN THE CITY OF WINCHESTER HERE.