Spokane Considers Tracking Abandoned Homes

The Spokane City Council is considering creating a registry of abandoned homes to prevent them from slipping into disrepair.

The Washington council is scheduled on Monday to consider an ordinance that would require banks or other responsible parties to register all abandoned homes in the city.

The Spokesman-Review says the parties would be required to provide a local contact to respond to property problems such as broken windows or graffiti. The idea is to keep the homes in good condition to protect the neighborhood.

Spokane City Councilwoman Amber Waldref estimates about 300 abandoned homes would have to be registered.

The city would require an annual $200 fee for each property. A private company would be hired to create and maintain the registry. Failure to register a property would result in a fine.