STANTON CIVIC CENTER (OC Tribune photo).

From a staff writer

In its efforts to curb problems associated with homelessness and vandalism, the City of Stanton is taking measures to reduce the number of vacant buildings in older sections of the city.

On Tuesday night, the city council voted 4-0 (with Councilmember Victor Barrios absent) in favor of amending the city’s master fee schedule.

A one-time charge of $45 will be charged for the application fee for processing a vacant parcel fee.

An annual vacant parcel registration fee for parcels considered stable will be $300. For properties considered “at-risk” the fee will be $5,000 annually. For properties considered “failed” the annual fee will be $9,600.

The new fees will go into effect on Sept. 12.

The council also approved an ordinance requiring that vacant properties be registered, maintenance and security be enhanced and be classified based on risk. Improved enforcement tools would also be provided.

Also on Tuesday night, the council approved continuance of the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency, in reference to the hazmat incident in West Garden Grove which created an evacuation zone that included nearly one-third of Stanton.