§ 74-88. Quiet title action.

A land bank agency shall be authorized to file an action to quiet title pursuant to RSMo § 527.150 as to any real property in which the land bank agency has an interest. For purposes of any and all such actions the land bank agency shall be deemed to be the holder of sufficient legal and equitable interests, and possessory rights, so as to qualify the land bank agency as adequate petitioner in such action.

(1)

Service of petition. Prior to the filing of an action to quiet title the land bank agency shall conduct an examination of title to determine the identity of any and all persons and entities possessing a claim or interest in or to the real property. Service of the petition to quiet title shall be provided to all such interested parties by the following methods:

a.

Registered or certified mail to such identity and address as reasonably ascertainable by an inspection of public records;

b.

In the case of occupied real property by first class mail, addressed to "Occupant;"

c.

By posting a copy of the notice on the real property;

d.

By publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality in which the property is located; and

e.

Such other methods as the court may order.

(2)

Affidavit. As part of the petition to quiet title the land bank agency shall file an affidavit identifying all parties potentially having an interest in the real property, and the form of notice provided.

(3)

Statutory hearing. In accordance with subsection 4 of RSMo § 141.1009, the court shall schedule a hearing on the petition within 90 days following filing of the petition, and as to all matters upon which an answer was not filed by an interested party the court shall issue its final judgment within 120 days of the filing of the petition.

(4)

Consolidation of parcels into single petition. The land bank agency shall be authorized to join in a single petition to quiet title one or more parcels of real property.

( Ord. No. 120779, § 1, 9-20-12 )