(a) An owner of a structure which meets the definition of "vacant" nonresidential property as set forth in this chapter shall register such structure with the Canton Building Department upon the earliest of the following events:
(1) Not later than sixty (60) days after it becomes a vacant; or
(2) Not later than thirty (30) days of being notified by the Chief Building Official of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy; or
(3) Not later than thirty (30) days of the issuance of an order to vacate by the Chief Building Official under Canton Codified Ordinance Section 1301.13.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Canton Building Department and shall include the following information provided by the owner:
(1) The name(s) and address(es) of the owner or owners;
(2) If the owner does not reside within twenty-five (25) miles of the City of Canton corporate limits, a property agent, manager or caretaker residing in or doing business within the State and within said 25-mile radius shall be designated and identified by name, address, email address, and telephone number. By designating an authorized agent under the provisions of this section, the owner is consenting to the service of any and all notices required or allowed under this Chapter upon said agent;
(3) The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties known or believed upon information to have a claim of ownership interest in the building;
(4) A telephone number where a responsible party can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours; and
(5) A vacant building plan as described in subsection (i) hereof.
(c) The owner shall additionally submit with the registration form the following:
(1) Proof of general liability insurance and fire damage in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000); and
(2) A registration fee payable in cash, check, or certified funds in an amount as set forth in subsection (f) hereof.
(d) Any changes in the information in subsection (b) hereof shall be reported to the City of Canton within thirty (30) days of such changes.
(e) The registration required by this Chapter shall be for the period January 1 through December 31 of each year and shall be renewed annually for as long the nonresidential property remains subject to the registration requirement of this Chapter.
(f) The registration fee for a vacant non-residential property shall be $250 for a building of 10,000 square feet or less, and $500 for a building greater than 10,000 square feet. For every consecutive calendar year that the non-residential property remains subject to the registration requirement, the annual registration fee shall be assessed at double the previous year's registration fee amount through years 2, 3, 4 and 5; for a maximum annual registration fee equaling the five (5) year registration fee. Said final fee shall be the registration fee for the fifth and all consecutive, subsequent years, unless the registration requirements are terminated pursuant to subsection (h) hereof.
(g) Failure to register any vacant non-residential property pursuant to subsection (a) hereof, or failure to renew any registration by March 1 pursuant to subsection (e) hereof, will result in a fine in an amount that is double the registration fee, which shall be in addition to the required registration fee for the vacant non-residential property.
(h) Upon any change in ownership or upon the occurrence of any circumstance under which the property is no longer subject to the registration requirements of this Chapter, the owner may request of the CBO in writing termination of the registration requirements of this chapter.
(i) The owner shall submit a vacant building plan which shall meet the approval of the Chief Building Official or designee. The plan, at a minimum, shall contain information from one of the following three choices:
(1) If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition which includes starting within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and does not exceed one year in accordance with the Ohio Building Code; or
(2) If the building is to remain vacant, a plan for ensuring the building is secured in accordance with the requirements of Section 1352.05, along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, with a statement of the reasons why the building will be left vacant (e.g., building is for sale, etc.); or
(3) If the building is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, a rehabilitation plan for the building and grounds. The rehabilitation plan shall not exceed twelve (12) months from the time permits are obtained, unless the Chief Building Official grants an extension upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension.
Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable Zoning, Housing, Historic Preservation, or Building Codes, and the property must be secured during the rehabilitation.
(Ord. 86-2016. Passed 5-16-16.)