Relating to the appointment of a receivership for and disposition of certain platted lots that are abandoned, unoccupied, and undeveloped in certain counties.
If enacted, SB 856 would modify existing local government laws by introducing new procedures for counties with more than 800,000 residents adjacent to international borders. It provides a legal mechanism for counties to declare lots as abandoned or undeveloped after a thorough review process, including public hearings. This would allow the county to take control of such lots, with the possibility of aggregating them into more economically viable parcels, thereby promoting responsible development and community enhancement. It also outlines the mechanisms for petitioning courts for receiverships and defines the roles and responsibilities of appointed receivers.
Senate Bill 856 addresses the issue of abandoned, unoccupied, and undeveloped platted lots in specific counties, primarily focusing on areas with significant populations and a history of fractionalized real estate conditions. These lots, often unattractive for development due to their poor infrastructure, have left investors without prospects for economic returns on their properties. The bill lays out a legislative framework for establishing receiverships to manage these properties and facilitate their development, aiming to streamline the re-platting process and ensure basic infrastructure can be installed. This addresses a growing need as urban expansion in adjacent areas creates demand for residential properties.
There may be contention surrounding the bill's provisions regarding property rights and the processes by which lots can be declared abandoned. Critics could argue that the expedited determinations bypass certain protections for small property owners and may disproportionately affect those holding fractionalized interests in such lots. Additionally, concerns about public health arise from the current state of these lots, as many have become dumping grounds for harmful materials. The need to balance development ambitions with safeguarding existing property rights and health issues highlights potential debate on the efficacy and fairness of the proposed measures.