Addressing Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties

Town of Great Falls, South Carolina

ORDINANCE NO . 2026-08-01

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN OF GREAT FALLS TO ACQUIRE OWNERSHIP OF DILAPIDATED, BURNED, OR UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND REDEVELOPMENT PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Great Falls recognizes the public nuisance, health hazard, and negative impact on community welfare posed by dilapidated, burned, and long-abandoned properties; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Great Falls seeks to revitalize neighborhoods, encourage development, and improve public safety by addressing such properties; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Great Falls is authorized under the South Carolina Code of Laws, including but not limited to Title 5 (Municipal Corporations), Title 6 (Local Government), and Title 31 (Housing and Redevelopment), to enact ordinances for the public health, safety, and welfare, including the abatement of nuisances and acquisition of prope1ty;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Great Falls, South Carolina:

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

This ordinance establishes the authority and procedures by which the Town may take control or ownership of real properties that are:

• Dilapidated and beyond reasonable repair,

• Burned and left unrepaired or abandoned,

• Vacant and undeveloped for an extended period, and

• Considered public nuisances under local or state law.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:

• Dilapidated Structure: A building or dwelling that is unsafe, uninhabitable, structurally unsound, or otherwise determined to be a public hazard by the Building Official.

• Burned Structure: A property that has suffered fire damage and has not been repaired or demolished within 180 days of the incident.

• Undeveloped Property: A vacant lot within municipal limits that has remained unimproved, unmaintained, or unused for a period of 3 consecutive years.

• Nuisance Property: Any property declared by the Town to constitute a public nuisance under local ordinance or state law.

• Owner: Any person or entity with legal title, recorded interest, or possession of the property.

SECTION 3. INVESTIGATION AND NOTICE

1. Inspection and Report: The Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, or other designated official shall investigate properties suspected of falling under this ordinance and prepare a written report.

2. Notice to Owner: Upon determination that a property is eligible, the Town shall provide written notice to the last known property owner(s) by certified mail and public posting, including:

o Description of the property and violation(s),

o Actions required to abate the condition (e.g., repair, demolish, maintain),

o Deadline of 60 days to respond or take corrective action,

o Notice that failure to comply may result in the Town taking control or title.

SECTION 4. HEARING AND DUE PROCESS

1. Opportunity for Hearing: The property owner shall have the right to request a hearing before the Town Council or designated board within 30 days of receiving notice.

2. Failure to Respond: If the owner does not respond or fails to take action, the Town may proceed to abate the nuisance and pursue ownership.

SECTION 5. METHODS OF ACQUISITION

The Town may acquire ownership of prope1ties under this ordinance through one or more of the following methods:

l. Tax Sale or Forfeiture: If the prope1ty has delinquent taxes, the Town may purchase it at a tax sale or acquire it after forfeiture.

2. Eminent Domain: For properties deemed critical to public health or redevelopment, and in accordance with S.C. eminent domain laws.

3. Judicial Abatement: File suit in Circuit Court to have the property declared a nuisance and request judicial transfer of title to the Town.

4. Donation or Agreement: Negotiate voluntary transfer or donation of the property from the owner to the Town.

SECTION 6. DISPOSITION OF ACQUIRED PROPERTIES

Once acquired, the Town may:

• Demolish unsafe structures;

• Clean and maintain the property;

• Designate the property for redevelopment or resale;

• Convey the property to a land bank, nonprofit, or developer under conditions that

promote public use or affordable housing.

SECTION 7. FUNDING AND COST RECOVERY

1. All costs incurred by the Town for inspections, legal proceedings, demolitions, and maintenance shall be recorded as a lien against the property.

2. The Town may establish a fund or seek grants to support these activities.

SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY

If any section or provision of this Ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the Town Council of Great Falls, South Carolina.

DONE AND ORDAINED this 18th day of August, 2026