Cape Girardeau implements new ordinance targeting vacant, deteriorating commercial buildings

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The city of Cape Girardeau is implementing a new ordinance aimed at addressing vacant and deteriorating commercial properties.

The Derelict Vacant Commercial Building Ordinance took effect in 2026 and requires certain commercial property owners to register their buildings and comply with city maintenance standards.

According to city officials, a property must meet three criteria to fall under the ordinance:

– The property must be a commercial building. Residential properties are excluded.
– The building must have been vacant for at least six months.
– The property must have at least one housing code violation involving maintenance, building safety, fire safety, health or nuisance regulations.

Property owners whose buildings meet all three conditions will be assessed a $200 fee every six months.

City officials say common violations include broken windows, deteriorating siding or door frames, holes in roofs or walls, overgrown weeds and accumulated litter or debris.

Buildings that meet the ordinance’s requirements will be registered and monitored for compliance.

Residents who notice potentially qualifying properties are encouraged to report them through the city’s online reporting system.

Reports can be submitted at cityofcape.org/report.