The new ordinance imposes a time limit and higher fees on property owners holding on to vacant buildings.

With the new ordinance, vacant properties owners would have two years to work with the city to rehab, sell or demolish sites, with a one-year extension available to those demonstrating progress. Afterward, the city will fine every code violation up to $2,000 a month.

In the past, a property owner had to pay a vacancy fee of $7,000 a year. Now, they can be charged up to $24,000.