Legislative findings and declarations.

The Legislature finds and declares that: (1) Vacant properties have the potential to create a host of problems for Nebraska communities, including a propensity to foster criminal activity, create public health problems, and otherwise diminish quality of life; (2) Vacant properties have the potential to reduce the value of area properties, increase the risk of property damage through arson and vandalism, and discourage neighborhood stability; (3) Vacant properties represent unrealized economic growth in Nebraska communities; (4) A vacant property registration ordinance allows a municipality to discourage property vacancy, maintain unoccupied buildings, provide a database of vacant properties and their owners, and assess fees for the increased public costs associated with vacant properties; (5) Fees imposed under a vacant property registration ordinance have the potential to benefit the owners of vacant properties by helping to finance additional government services to protect the value and security of such properties; and (6) Enactment of a vacant property registration ordinance is a proper exercise of governmental authority to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of community residents and a valid regulatory scheme.