Richmond Fire Rescue is proposing a bylaw that will give the department new powers to clean up abandoned buildings in the city.
“Vacant and abandoned buildings have been and continue to be a problem,” stated fire chief John McGowan.
The city’s manager of law and community safety Phyllis Carlyle said vacant buildings are targeted by thieves who start fires inside to strip copper wiring.
The bylaw would give the city the right to charge property owners for the costs of fires or other incidents on the property.
The city claims to have 28 outright abandoned buildings, down from 36 last November.
In 2014 the department responded to 17 fire calls to abandoned homes, while police responded to 55 calls regarding activity taking place inside.
The bylaw would expand the definition of a vacant/abandoned home to include any home without water or electricity service as well as homes that do not meet Fire Code standards.
