Vacant Building Registration
In an effort to ensure that Menasha’s Downtown remains vibrant and maintained, the Common Council has approved an ordinance amendment regarding vacant buildings within the C-2, Central Business Zoning District. It has been found that vacant buildings have a detrimental effect on the maintenance of the building and the profitability of neighboring businesses.
Commercial buildings, upon becoming vacant, have 30 to register with the City of Menasha. Currently vacant commercial units have 30 days from receiving this letter to notify the city. The property will then be added to the Vacant Building Registration list. When a commercial building has found a tenant and is no longer vacant, it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the City and remove the property from the vacant building registration list. Note, this ordinance does not affect residential use properties.
“VACANT DEFINED: For the purpose of this Section, a vacant building is defined as any building, zoned Central Business District (C-2), that has commercial units that are abandoned, unoccupied, empty, or has a retail business that is not open to the public more than 13 days a month. A day is a period of time, not less than 4 consecutive hours in a 24 hour period, which a business is open to the public and an employee of that business is present at the property.”
Properties, which are on the Vacant Building Registration list, are subject to inspections every six months to insure the building is being maintained in accordance with local building and health codes. All properties on the Vacant Registration List will pay up to a $250 renewal fee every six months. In addition, any property that fails to register their vacant property will forfeit not less than $500.
| How Do I Register? Fill out the "Vacant Building Registration Form" located here.  After you have filled out the form email it to the City Planner. If you prefer to mail the form please send it to: ATTN: Community Development Department 100 Main Street Menasha WI, 54952 Once you have registered please inform Community Development if the building is no longer vacant. If the building remains vacant in the next six months you will be contacted to set up an inspection time/date. Vacant Building Registration Ordinance |
