The City of Bisbee has announced plans to introduce fees for its Vacant and Abandoned Property Program. The new fees are intended to support the administration of the program, including costs associated with hiring contractors, engineers, and, when necessary, demolishing unsafe or hazardous structures. According to city officials, these measures aim to help manage vacant and abandoned properties while protecting public health, safety, and community standards.
For residential properties under the program, a vacant building registration fee will be set at $175.00. Commercial buildings measuring 5,000 square feet and under will have a fee of $225.00. For buildings over 5,001 square feet, the fee increases to $350.00.
The City of Bisbee operates under a Council-Manager form of government in which policy is determined by the Mayor and Council who appoint the City Manager (official website). The city aims to maintain a safe environment for families while encouraging economic growth and preserving its cultural heritage (official website).
Bisbee is located in Cochise County within Arizona’s Mule Mountains (official website). Known historically as the “Queen of the Copper Camps,” it developed rapidly after ore was discovered in 1877 (official website). Today, Bisbee is recognized as both an artist community and tourism destination that values its history and diverse geography (official website).
The proposed vacant property registration fees were posted on October 17, 2025.
