Town of Webster introduces new process for reporting abandoned homes

Webster residents can now report abandoned homes via the Town website

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Webster, NY - The Town recently announced that it has implemented a new process for identifying and addressing abandoned homes in Webster.

According to the Town’s website, residents can now fill out an online reporting form if they have identified a property that fits the following criteria classifying it as abandoned:

• The property is in need of rehabilitation and has not been rehabilitated during the unoccupied period;

• Construction has been initiated on the property in the past, but not for the three-month period;

• The property has been determined to be a nuisance by the Code Enforcement Official (nuisance includes a finding that the property is unfit for human habitation and/or is determined to be a fire hazard or potential health and safety hazard);

• Where vandalism at the property has gone unrepaired;

• Where there exists a lack of maintenance of the yard area as defined above; or

• F.A public utility (gas, electric, or water) has been shut off by the utility company.

The Town of Webster says, per Webster Town Code Section 225-3, “an abandoned property is hereby defined as one that has not been occupied as a residence or a business for a period of one month.”

“The intent of this regulation of Abandoned Properties is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Town of Webster by establishing a process to identify abandoned properties and provide a means by which the Town may remedy conditions that threaten public health, safety, and welfare,” the Town wrote in its online news release.

If there are general code concerns (for properties that are not necessarily abandoned) such as unkempt lawns, unregistered vehicles, trash/debris or noise issues, residents should contact Code Enforcement.

Fill out this form on the Town of Webster website if you suspect a property in your neighborhood is abandoned.