The County said it has been approached to use Community Development Block Grant Funds to demolish blighted buildings. According to the county, the communities must consider many elements when designing a demolition program.
They must first identify the property, said county officials. The structure must meet the state definition of slum and blight as certified by the municipality's building inspector or code enforcement officer.
County officials said a residential unit, such as an apartment building, must be vacant. A municipality cannot require a family to move from their units, said county officials. Permission to demolish must be received through the court system or the owner of the property.
Also, the municipality may, at its option, place a lien on the property and require the owner to repay the cost of the demolition. If CDBG funds are used, then the repayment must be returned to the county for future funding cycles, said county officials.
Finally, the property's environment must be considered. Buildings that are more than 50 years old must also have an historic profile completed and receive clearance from the State Historic Preservation Office before a contract can be signed.
For more information on the regulations contact the County at (248) 858-5312.
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