S.B. 494 Summary

• Requires each county to establish an expedited procedure for approving demolition permits for vacant residential structures, with processing completed within 21 days of application (not including weekends or holidays), effective no later than January 1, 2024.

• Expedited demolition permits apply only to complete demolition of entire vacant residential structures, not partial demolition or demolition as part of renovation or new construction; denies building permits for new construction on the same parcel within 365 days if an expedited demolition permit was approved.

• Allows the Department of Taxation to foreclose on vacant and abandoned residential properties with state tax liens through nonjudicial/power of sale foreclosure procedures at any time, regardless of lien age, after verifying vacancy through at least two separate inspections.

• Establishes that residential structures shall not be deemed vacant and abandoned if they are undergoing active construction, used seasonally, subject to probate or title disputes, damaged by natural disaster with intent to repair, or occupied by a mortgagor, relative, or lawful tenant.

• Appropriates funds to counties for fiscal year 2023-2024 to implement the expedited demolition permit procedures and effective date of March 22, 2075.