Camden passes ordinance to revitalize vacant downtown properties

CAMDEN, S.C. — As downtown Camden continues to grow and attract new businesses, the city is taking steps to make sure no properties are left behind.

On Tuesday night, City Council passed an ordinance aimed at holding owners of vacant downtown buildings accountable.

The new rule creates a registry of vacant buildings. If a property sits empty for more than 125 days, the owner must file a plan outlining what they’ll do with it. There are also fees for repeat filings — the first registration is free, the second costs $100, and the third increases to $500.

The city says property owners will be contacted directly if their building qualifies for the registry. Code enforcement officers will also inspect vacant structures to ensure they meet safety and maintenance requirements.

Camden Mayor Vi