The Kenton County Vacant Foreclosed Property Registration Ordinance was adopted by the Kenton County Fiscal Court on November 9th, 2016 with an effective date of December 9th, 2016. The countywide registry is required for all applicable properties located within Kenton County, regardless of the local jurisdiction.
What is the purpose of the registry?
The Vacant Foreclosed Property Registry increases the efficiency and effectiveness of code enforcement activities conducted throughout Kenton County. The registry requires a mortgagee to name a local contact who can remedy any property maintenance issues associated with a foreclosed, vacant property. By requiring a local contact, issues such as tall grass and weeds, disrepair or other property maintenance violations will be addressed in a timely manner.
Who must register?
A creditor who files a foreclosure on a residential property anywhere within Kenton County and when that property is vacant, must file a registration with the Kenton County Vacant Foreclosed Property Registry. A property that is in a foreclosure proceeding and is not vacant, need not be registered. Any foreclosure action brought before March 9th, 2017 must be registered by March 9th, 2017. Any foreclosures filed after March 9th, 2017 must be registered within 10 days of the foreclosure filing.
How do I register?
The creditor agent must complete the downloadable registration form on the Planning and Development Services website and pay the registration fee of $150.00 per parcel. For more information call (859) 331-8980.
Property maintenance expectations:
- Properties must be maintained free of outwards appearances of foreclosure and vacancy during the registration period.
- Grass shall be no higher than 10 inches at any time and the property must be maintained free of all noxious weeds, and litter.
- The premises shall remain secure and locked. Broken windows and doors which are visible from the right-of-way may be covered with plywood or similar boarding material on an emergency basis, but for no more than ten business days, while arrangements are being made to replace broken glass or broken parts of existing windows and doors. Otherwise windows and doors visible from the public right-of-way must be maintained in good repair and not boarded. Clear, plexiglass material may be used to secure a property for a period longer than 10 days.
- Handbills, circulars, and advertisement shall be removed from the porches and yards (within 5 business days of being notified).
- Standing water on the premises, including but not limited to standing water in swimming pools, shall be eliminated.
- All other applicable property maintenance provisions as listed within the International Property Maintenance Code, local Zoning Ordinances and Nuisance Codes remain in effect.
Periodic inspection:
Jurisdiction or PDS code enforcement officials may inspect the property to ensure compliance with applicable property maintenance, zoning and nuisance code requirements. The code enforcement official will notify the registered local contact of any violations identified at the time of inspection. Any violations must be corrected within 14 days or code enforcement orders will be filed and placed as a priority lien for the total cost on the tax duplicate.