The City of Allentown has established a Vacant Property Registry to identify, monitor, and address vacant properties throughout the City. The registry is intended to help prevent deterioration, protect neighborhoods, promote responsible property maintenance, and reduce conditions that may contribute to blight.
Who is required to register?
Owners of both residential and commercial properties that meet the definition of a Vacant Property are required to register with the City of Allentown Bureau of Building Standards and Safety.
A vacant property is defined as an improved lot or parcel containing a building or structure that has not been occupied for more than 90 consecutive days or has been determined to be vacant by a City Enforcement Officer.
When must a property be registered?
Owners must register a vacant property with the City within 15 calendar days after:
- The property reaches 90 consecutive days of vacancy; or
- The City provides written notice or determines that the property is vacant.
Registration must be renewed annually until the property is lawfully occupied, sold, or otherwise removed from the registry.
How do I register?
Vacant Property Registry applications must be completed through the City's online permitting and licensing portal.
To register:
- Access the City's CSS Portal: https://energov.allentownpa.gov/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService#/home
- Log in or create an account.
- From the CSS Main Screen, select "Licenses."
- Select Vacant Property Registration and complete the application. Note: If you are not a Business, please select "Registration Only (VPR)" when prompted to create a Business during the application process. Enter your first and last name as the Company Name and select "N/A" as the location.
A nonrefundable annual registration fee is required at the time of registration:
- Residential Vacant Property: $150 per property
- Commercial Vacant Property: $300 per property
Property Maintenance Requirements
Registration does not replace the owner's responsibility to maintain the property. Registered vacant properties must remain secure, weather-resistant, free from trash and debris, and maintained in accordance with applicable City codes.
For questions regarding the Vacant Property Registry, please contact the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety.