Sheboygan wants to track vacant buildings

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — Owners of vacant buildings in Sheboygan must register those buildings with the city by Jan. 15 or face heavy fines under a new ordinance.

The Sheboygan Press reports the Common Council passed the ordinance on Dec. 5. Officials say it’s needed to stop the further deterioration of neighborhoods and draining of city services.

An accompanying ordinance requires owners who do not live in Sheboygan County to designate a local resident to be point of contact for the city.

There is no charge to register a property, but failing to do so could mean fines of $500 to $2,000 per day under the building is properly registered.

The ordinance also requires owners to secure vacant buildings, maintain their properties and provide access to the buildings for city inspectors.