CLICK TO EXPAND: (Photo courtesy of: Zol87)

The proliferation of vacant buildings is not only a blight that depresses neighborhoods, but a threat to public health and safety. Officials started studying the problem last winter. On Tuesday, rules went into effect that require owners of vacant buildings in unincorporated areas of the county to register them with the county building and zoning department. The registration process will include a one-time fee of $250 for each building.

County officials hope the rules can be extended to all 128 municipalities in the county.