SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) – Vacant buildings are an eye-sore and a hazard, according to Sioux Falls City Council members Christine Erickson and Curt Soehl. In order to address the problem, they’ve introduced an increase in vacant home permit fees. Their proposal would increase the annual permits from $200 to $1,000 and up to $2,000 in historic districts.
Currently, there are 50 vacant homes on the registry. Erickson says many of the homes could fill the need for affordable housing if they weren’t allowed to run down.
Soehl told the Council the proposal was to get action and, “let people buy them or rent them and put people in homes.”
Erickson said the run-down homes are an eyesore and pose a potential threat to neighbors because of squatters, break-ins, or animals.
Erickson says the city has tried to work with the property owners over the years, but many owners have chosen to let the properties sit. Increasing the fees could incentivize the owners to make the homes habitable.
The proposal is back before the Council on November 9th. Soehl says he plans to introduce an amendment to increase the fees even more.
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