Creation and Existence.

Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.

§ 1603. Creation and existence.

(a) Any foreclosing governmental unit may create a land bank by the adoption of a local law, ordinance, or resolution as appropriate to such foreclosing governmental unit which action specifies the following:

(1) the name of the land bank;

(2) the number of members of the board of directors, which shall consist of an odd number of members, and shall be not less than five members nor more than fifteen members;

(3) the initial individuals to serve as members of the board of directors, and the length of terms for which they are to serve;

(4) the qualifications, manner of selection or appointment, and terms of office of members of the board; and

(5) the articles of incorporation for the land bank, which shall be filed with the secretary of state in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter.

(b) Two or more foreclosing governmental units may enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement which creates a single land bank to act on behalf of such foreclosing governmental units, which agreement shall be authorized by and be in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section. Such intergovernmental agreement shall include provisions for dissolution of such land bank.

(c) Any foreclosing governmental units and any municipality may enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement which creates a single land bank to act on behalf of such foreclosing governmental unit or units and municipality, which agreement shall be authorized by and be in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section. Such intergovernmental agreement shall include provisions for dissolution of such land bank.

(d) Except when a land bank is created pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, in the event a county creates a land bank, such land bank shall have the power to acquire real property only in those portions of such county located outside of the geographical boundaries of any other land bank created by any other foreclosing governmental unit located partially or entirely within such county.

(e) A school district may participate in a land bank pursuant to an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the foreclosing governmental unit or units that create the land bank, which agreement shall specify the membership, if any, of such school district on the board of directors of the land bank, or the actions of the land bank which are subject to approval by the school district.

(f) Each land bank created pursuant to this act shall be a charitable corporation, and shall have permanent and perpetual duration until terminated and dissolved in accordance with the provisions of section sixteen hundred thirteen of this article.

(g) Nothing in this article shall be construed to authorize the existence of more than thirty-five land banks located in the state at one time, provided further that each foreclosing governmental unit or units proposing to create a land bank shall submit such local law, ordinance or resolution as required by paragraph (a) of this section, to the urban development corporation, for its review and approval. The creation of a land bank shall be conditioned upon approval of the urban development corporation.

(h) The office of the state comptroller shall have the authority to audit any land bank pursuant to this article.


Download our app to see the most-to-date content.