City Adopts Ordinance to Address Long-Term Vacant Properties 

The Las Cruces City Council recently adopted a Vacant and Abandoned Property Maintenance Ordinance, establishing new requirements to address long-term vacancies, encourage property maintenance, and support neighborhood revitalization.

Vacant buildings and underdeveloped property can create lasting challenges for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, particularly when properties deteriorate, attract nuisance activity, or remain unused for years. The ordinance gives the City an additional tool to address these concerns while encouraging owners to return properties to productive use.

The ordinance generally applies to residential and commercial properties that have not been lawfully occupied or in operation for at least two consecutive years. For multi-tenant properties, at least 50 percent of the residential units or spaces, or 50 percent of the commercial leasable area, must meet that two-year vacancy threshold.

Owners of qualifying properties will be required to register annually with the City, provide current contact information, and identify measures to keep the property in compliance with property maintenance standards. The Community Development Department will administer the program and maintain an online public registry.

Annual registration fees increase based on how long a property remains registered:

• Residential properties: $500 in the first year, $1,000 in the second year, and $2,000 annually beginning in the third year.
• Commercial and qualifying multi-tenant properties: $2,000 in the first year, $4,000 in the second year, and $8,000 annually beginning in the third year.

Temporary fee exemptions may be available when owners are taking qualifying steps toward construction, rehabilitation, sale, or leasing; when certain legal proceedings affect the property; or when owners of qualifying historic properties are actively working through the City’s preservation process. Exemptions require City approval and do not eliminate registration requirements or the City’s authority to address unsafe conditions.

The ordinance also provides a process for property owners to challenge a vacancy assessment or exemption decision.

Through these requirements, the City aims to strengthen owner accountability, reduce the impacts of neglected properties, and encourage reinvestment in existing neighborhoods and commercial areas.

For more information, call 575-541-2299, or visit: LasCruces.gov/Vacant.