The bill amends section 8-12-16 of the Code of West Virginia to empower municipalities to adopt ordinances that enable them to recover demolition costs as special tax assessments against real property. This includes provisions for addressing unsafe, unsanitary, or dangerous structures through repair, alteration, improvement, vacating, closing, or demolition. The bill introduces new legal language that specifies the notice requirements municipalities must fulfill before imposing special assessments, including details about the property, the nature of the work performed, incurred costs, and the owner's right to contest the assessment. These assessments will be collected similarly to ad valorem real property taxes, providing municipalities with a mechanism to recover costs associated with public safety.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for municipalities to initiate civil actions against landowners for unsafe structures, requiring prior notice to the landowner and detailing methods for serving notices of violation. It establishes that property owners can contest proposed assessments before a municipal judge, with the official's determination being binding. Municipalities can impose special assessments administratively after considering objections, and they are allowed to offer installment payments for these assessments. The bill also facilitates collaboration between municipalities and county commissions for the demolition of dilapidated structures, ensuring that the outlined procedures or existing code provisions are followed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-12-16
Committee Substitute: 8-12-16
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 8-12-16