Some Central Maine Landlords Could Soon Be ‘Fined’ For Unleased Retail Spaces

Over the last decade, we have really seen downtown Augusta bounce back.

When I first moved to Central Maine in 2016, a significant number of commercial spaces were empty or occupied by businesses that were barely hanging on.

These days, thanks in large part to several local business-minded families, downtown Augusta is much more vibrant.  Water Street is home to unique shops, restaurants, bakeries, salons, and even a bicycle shop.

Currently, only about 20% Water Street's storefronts are vacant.  According to a recent article in the KJ, this is a near historic low.

That being said, there are still a number of vacant spaces.

For obvious reasons, some people are concerned that the number of vacant spots are making it difficult to continue the revitalization of Augusta's downtown.

Following the news that a number of Maine municipalities, including Portland, have started fining landlords/building owners for having unleased commercial spaces, the discussion came up in an Augusta city council meeting.

According to the KJ, it was discovered that the city has actually had a vacant building ordinance.  The rule has been around since 2015, but was reportedly amended in 2016.

The current version of the ordinance says property owners need to register their buildings within 60 days of becoming vacant.  They also have to pay a fee of $200 for commercial properties or $100 for residential properties.

On top of that, they must name a local property manager and give the city contact information so officials can reach them and make sure maintenance standards are being followed.

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There are exceptions, though, for buildings that are being marketed for sale, for properties that are owner-occupied, and for places that are under renovation.  Some owners have been taking advantage of those exceptions by making it look like their buildings are for sale without really trying to find buyers or tenants, just to avoid registering their vacant properties.

At least one city councilor has said these buildings are also being used as tax write-offs.

The council has reportedly asked city officials to research ways to strengthen the ordinance.  This could mean getting rid of the exceptions to the rule.

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