MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Local and Private

By: Senator(s) Hopson

Senate Bill 3080

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, TO ADOPT A VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING REGISTRATION ORDINANCE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  The governing authorities of the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi, are authorized, in their discretion, to adopt a vacant commercial building registration ordinance that will require a property owner to register his or her commercial property with the city government after a ninety-day period of vacancy.  The ordinance shall:

          (a)  Provide plans of the building that will protect first responders in the event of an emergency in the building;

          (b)  Provide a maintenance plan and ensure that the property is maintained in accordance with applicable codes;

          (c)  Provide for annual inspections and proof of insurance;

          (d)  Provide for waivers of registration on certain conditions such as remodeling, demolition or pending sale; and

          (e)  Provide for fees and penalties that shall be assessed against the property and collected for failure to comply with this section.  Such assessment shall be collected in the same manner and at the same time as municipal ad valorem taxes are collected.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.