City Ordinance 2024-05 requires vacant properties to be registered with the City of Windsor Heights to ensure vacant properties are free of code violations and other hazards. Please see Chapter 182 of the Windsor Heights City Code for additional details. To register, please fill out the form below:

Windsor Heights Vacant Property Registration Application

Key Program Elements

Registration 

Vacant properties shall be registered with the city within ten days of becoming vacant with the following exceptions:

1. The property is actively listed for sale or for rent and been vacant for less than 180 days. 
2. The property is under construction with valid permits. 

 Registered properties shall include the following information

1. Property owner, address, email address, tax ID and phone number. 
2. If owner resides outside of Polk County, an authorized management agent responsible for maintenance. 
3. Insurance information. 

Inspections and Maintenance Requirements

The property owner or management agent shall inspect the property monthly and ensure compliance with Chapter 182. 

1. Structure must include an exterior roof in good repair, including any shingles, sheathing, rafters, soffits, and fascia. 
2. Structure must have a fascia, soffit (in the area around the roof eaves) and soffit screens.
3. Gable vents/vent opening must be properly screened to prevent access by animals and other pests. 
4. Exterior walls must be capable of supporting a normal load. 
5. Exterior walls and other surfaces of any structure must be maintained to resist water and deterioration from weather by application of paint or other protective materials. 
6. Outermost layer of paint shall not peel or deteriorate to expose under lying layers of paint to the weather. 
7. Window glass must be maintained in a weathertight and watertight condition. 
8. Window screens must be in good repair capable of providing ventilation. 
9. Exterior doors must be weathertight, watertight, in addition to being secure in a position by a locking device in proper working order. 
10. Porch of any structure must be safe to use, capable of supporting a normal load, be weathertight, watertight, rodent-proof, insect-proof. 
11. Crawl space opening(s) of a foundation wall must be secured against animals and rodents with screen repairs completed in a workmanlike manner according to standards acceptable in the construction industry. 
12. Exterior stairs must be capable of supporting the normal load. 
13. Handrails must be constructed and maintained to conform to the city building code. 
14. Railings are required for any unenclosed portion of a structure more than three feet above ground level or for any steps containing four or more risers. 
15. All railings must be capable of supporting normal load. 
16. Accessory structure including garages, storage buildings buffer walls, fences, etc. must be maintained in good repair and sound structural condition. 
17. Windows, doors, and other openings must be in good condition and locked. 
18. Required landscaping must be maintained to be in compliance with any approved site plan. 
19. The property shall be mowed, kept clear of weeds, volunteer trees and kept clear of snow as required by this code. 
20. Parking areas, driveways and sidewalks shall be kept in good condition as required in this code. 
21. The premise shall be kept clear of junk, debris, garbage, graffiti, inoperable and unlicensed vehicles. 
22. The premise shall be kept free of all infestations. 
23. Pools and spas shall be maintained so the water remains free and clear of pollutants and debris. Pools and spas shall comply with the enclosure requirements of the city code. 
24. All fire suppression systems must be functioning as intended. 
25. Other features of the site not specifically listed in this section that when in poor state of repair constitute a threat to the public safety or preclude the reasonable enjoyment of adjacent properties. 
26. Fallen branches must be removed from the property within 72 hours and dead or diseased trees removed within two weeks of any City notice being provided.

Abatement

Notice to abate a violation shall be given prior to city action to abate a violation, except that in the event of an emergency, such notice as is practical under the circumstances, if any is practical, shall be given; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require notice in an emergency if impractical. If notice to abate a nuisance is given pursuant to this chapter, said notice shall contain the following information: 

1. A description, to the extent possible, of the conditions that constitute the violation; 
2. A description of the location of the violation; 
3. A statement that the person liable for the presence of the violation must correct the violation within the reasonable time set forth in the notice and in accordance with this chapter; and 
4. A statement that upon failure to comply with this chapter within the time set forth in the notice, the person so notified of the violation shall be deemed liable for the nuisance, and that the city may enter onto the real property and cause the conditions which constitute the nuisance to be abated and assess the costs of abatement against the real property for collection in the same manner as a property tax, following administrative hearing process if a hearing is requested or court action as applicable. 
5. If the department elects to follow the administrative hearing procedure set forth in this code, the notice shall also contain a statement that the person notified, or the person's duly authorized agent as identified in a notarized statement provided by the person notified, may file a written request for an administrative hearing as set forth in section 182.20 of this chapter. 
6. Notice of costs of abatement shall be given prior to city assessment of such costs. If notice of costs of abatement is given following administrative hearing procedure or emergency action pursuant to this chapter, said notice shall contain the following information: 
7. A statement that upon failure to make full payment as directed in the notice within the time set forth in the notice, the city may assess the costs of abatement against the real property for collection in the same manner as a property tax, following administrative hearing if requested. 
8. A statement that the person notified, or the person's duly authorized agent as identified in a notarized statement provided by the person notified, may file a written request for an administrative hearing on costs of abatement only, as set forth in section 182.20 of this chapter.