I support this 100%. Vacant building can result in neighborhood blight and owners need to register these buildings and account for them.

Virginia First Cities Coalition is supportive of HB 1486, as it would permit any county, city, or town to require, by ordinance, the owner of any building that has been vacant for at least 12 months and (i) that meets the definition of "derelict building" in relevant law, (ii) that meets the definition of "criminal blight" in relevant law, or (iii) in which a locality has determined a person is living without the authority of the owner to register such building annually. Under current law, any city and certain towns are permitted to require the owner of any building that has been vacant for at least 12 months and meets the definition of "derelict building" in relevant law to register such building annually. This bill is a recommendation of the Virginia Housing Commission. It is supported by the Virginia First Cities Housing Access group as it is viewed as being a helpful tool as we seek to eliminate blight from our communities.