Vacant Properties

In December 2025, the West University Place City Council adopted a new ordinance (Ord. No. 3100) regarding registration requirements for residential vacant properties. 

A vacant property is defined as any building used or to be used which is not legally occupied and at which:

• Construction operations or occupancy have ceased for more than 150 days
• Any property without an active water utility account for more than 30 days
• Any lot that has had the main structure demolished

As part of this new initiative, registered vacant properties will undergo periodic exterior inspections to verify compliance with city and international property codes and to ensure the structure does not present a risk to public safety.

Owners of vacant properties are required to register with the Community Development division by May 1, 2026. The registration fee for each vacant property is $500. 

To register your vacant property, please complete the Vacant Property Registration Form (PDF). 

To report a vacant property, please submit a Click West U to Code Enforcement.

Resources:

• West University Place Code of Ordinances
• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 
  • Section 301.3 - Vacant Structures and Land
  • Section 111.2 - Closing Vacant Structures
  • Section 112.1 - Unsafe Structures/Imminent Danger
  • Appendix A - Boarding Requirements 
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
  • Section 311 - Vacant Premises