[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
The purpose of this legislative enactment is to establish the Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program ("Program") to partner with private property owners to remove blighted structures (both residential and commercial) and encourage reinvestment in the property.
[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
A. 
The Board of Aldermen hereby finds as follows:
1. 
The elimination of blight and improving the image of the City was a common concern heard during the master planning process. Participants expressed "a well-founded fear that run-down buildings are keeping the City from progressing as rapidly as it should." (Plan, page 13).
2. 
One of the goals identified in the Master Plan states: "Goal: to improve the appearance, safety and economic viability of the City through the systematic removal of blight and the construction of beautiful buildings, streetscapes, and public spaces" (page 61).
3. 
Blighted buildings can negatively impact surrounding property values.
4. 
There are within the City properties which have become derelict, unused, abandoned or unfit for human habitation or other use by reasons of age, obsolescence, prolonged vacancy, dilapidation, deterioration, lack of maintenance and care or general neglect.
5. 
Blighted properties individually and collectively constitute a blight and nuisance in City neighborhoods, create fire and health hazards, and are sometimes a haven for immoral and criminal purposes.
6. 
It is in the best interests of the City for the furtherance of the health, safety, and welfare of its residents, and to otherwise further the objectives of the economic development within the City to establish and implement the Program.
[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
The Program will provide up to a fifty-percent matching grant, up to a maximum of eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00) per structure, to eligible property owners for the purpose of assisting property owners with demolition costs to eliminate blight and encourage reinvestment in the property.
[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
BLIGHTED PROPERTY — A property in which the Board of Aldermen determines that by reason of age, obsolescence, inadequate or outmoded design or physical deterioration has become an economic or social liability, and that such condition is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, crime or inability to pay reasonable taxes.
[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
A. 
Submit completed application form.
B. 
Meet with staff on site to discuss the project and for staff to conduct blight analysis.
C. 
City staff will present its blight study to the Board of Aldermen for its consideration and final determination of blight. The Board of Aldermen's declaration that the subject property is blighted is a requirement of the Program.
D. 
Apply for a demolition permit, which permit fees will be waived. The Director of Community Development may require an environmental analysis if he has reason to believe that hazardous materials are or have been present. The analysis must be performed by a company approved by the City. An applicant is still responsible for complying with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws or regulations.
[Ord. No. 1279 §1, 1-21-2014]
E. 
Demolish the blighted structure.
F. 
Submit invoice and lien waiver from contractor stating they have received payment. If hazardous materials were present, documentation must be submitted stating the materials were appropriately disposed of by a business possessing a hazardous waste permit per Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations. Proof of the permit must be submitted.
G. 
The City will provide a Program grant for twenty-five percent (25%) of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) per structure.
H. 
Once an application for the Program has been submitted, the applicant will have one hundred eighty (180) days to complete demolition. If demolition is not completed within this time frame, the applicant will not be able to receive funds.
[Ord. No. 1263 §1, 11-5-2013]
An applicant may obtain a reinvestment incentive if new construction is completed on the property. An additional twenty-five percent (25%) of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00), may be granted, provided a certificate of occupancy for a new structure is issued within eighteen (18) months of the demolition permit being issued. To qualify for the reinvestment incentive new construction must entail a principal structure (house, office, commercial building).