SB 400 Summary

• Amends Section 22-112.4 of Title 11 to establish procedures for municipalities to abate abandoned buildings as public nuisances through notice, hearing, and determination by the governing body.

• Municipalities may assess property owners quarterly for actual costs of municipal regulatory actions, police and fire protection, and other expenses related to abandoned building abatement.

• Creates a lien against the property for unpaid abatement costs that becomes coequal with ad valorem tax liens and superior to all other titles and liens; if payment is not made within 6 months, the lien becomes enforceable against the property owner.

• Adds new Section 22-112.6 to declare buildings unoccupied and subject to abatement if they have been vacant for 365 consecutive days or more and cause increased municipal costs or property value decline.

• Act becomes effective November 1, 2025; does not apply to property zoned and used for agricultural purposes.