Eyesore buildings in Rhyl town centre will be targeted as part of a council crackdown to breathe new life into the high street.
Planning and public protection officers will assess the units that show evidence of unauthorised development, fail to meet advertisement controls or have fallen into disrepair through neglect.
Denbighshire Council will work with owners and occupiers to offer guidance on what action is required in a bid to attract more investment, tourists and shoppers.
They say formal planning enforcement powers will be used where necessary.
The initiative, which is the first of its kind, aims to see shabby shops spruced up to tie in with the town's wider regeneration programme.
Leader of Denbighshire, councillor Hugh Evans said: “The feedback from local businesses and residents has been extremely useful, as it has reinforced the council’s view that work needs to be done to spruce up the town centre.
“There are clear long term benefits for property owners and businesses to be gained by investing to improve their properties and bring them to an acceptable standard.
"By working together, we can really make a difference to the visual impact of the town centre and encourage more people to make Rhyl town centre their location of choice for shopping, entertainment and to do business."
He added: "We believe this is a unique project and there are no similarly focused projects with dedicated staff on-going within North Wales.
"It is hoped that our partnership approach will be met with understanding and an acceptance by property owners to make a contribution, when required, towards improving the town centre for the good of all.”
Prakash Lad, a senior building surveyor for Yorkshire Building Society, acknowledges the importance of properly maintaining their buildings.
The society has recently undertaken an extensive refurbishment of their building in High Street.
Mr Lad said: “We manage a programme of planned projects to keep our national retail branch network up to standard and aim to review and carry out external repairs every five to seven years.
"Anything the council can do to encourage other owners of town centre buildings to properly maintain their premises should be welcome.”
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Rhyl regeneration projects
Nadeem Ahmad from Jean Emporium and Chrome clothing stores in the town centre said: "A well presented and welcoming town centre is integral to the regeneration of Rhyl.
"It is essential that improvements are made where necessary and standards are kept to a level that will complement the ongoing projects on the promenade.
“Whilst economic conditions are tough, it is important that businesses and the council work together to make a difference and create an environment where people are happy to visit."
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