(a) The owner or person in control shall register with the Property Code Department not later than 90 days after any buildings located in an area zoned for, or abutting an area zoned for, residential or commercial use in the city becomes a vacant building, or not later than 30 days of being notified by the Property Code Department of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event first occurs. Owners who fail to register at the prescribed time will be considered delinquent.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Property Code Department and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
(1) The name(s) and residential and mailing address(es) of the owner or owner(s); or person in control or persons in control;
(2) If the owner or person in control does not reside in Coshocton County, the name and address of any third party who the owner or person in control has entered into a contract or agreement with for property management. By designating an authorized agent under the provisions of this section, the owner or person in control is consenting that the third party is authorized to receive any and all notices relating to the property and conformance of any and all ordinances;
(3) The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the property;
(4) A telephone number where the owner, person in control can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours; and
(5) A vacant building plan as described in division (C) of this section.
(c) The owner or person in control shall submit a vacant building plan which must meet the approval of the Property Code Department. The plan, at a minimum, must 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 30 days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and completion according to plan, 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 the ensuring the building is secured along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, and a statement of the reasons why the building will be left vacant (e.g., building is for sale, and the like); 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 they obtain permits, unless the Property Code Department 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.
(d) All applicable laws and codes shall be complied with by the owner or person in control. The owner or person in control shall notify the Property Code Department of any changes in the information of their vacant building registration within thirty (30) days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revision(s) must be in writing and must meet the approval of the Property Code Department.
(e) The owner or person in control and all subsequent owners or persons in control shall keep the building secured and safe in the building and grounds properly maintained in accordance with all applicable Property Maintenance Codes.
(f) A new owner(s) or person in control shall register or re-register the vacant building with the Property Code Department within thirty (30) days of any transfer or an ownership interest in the vacant building if the building continues to remain vacant after transfer. The new owner(s) shall comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted and meet the approval of the Property Code Department.
(g) The failure of the owner or person in control of the vacant building to obtain a deed for the property or to file the deed with the County Recorder shall not excuse the property owner or person in control from registering the property.
(h) Failure of the owner or person in control or any subsequent owner(s) or persons in control to maintain the building and premises that result in remedial action taken by the City shall be grounds for revocation of the approved plan and shall be subject to any applicable penalties provided by the law.
(i) The Property Code Department shall include in the file any property specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties, or citizens regarding the history, problems, status, or blighting influence of a vacant building.
(j) The registration and all associated processes must be completed in its entirety annually for as long as the property remains vacant.
(k) No owner or person in control of a vacant commercial or industrial building shall fail to acquire or otherwise maintain general liability insurance covering the vacant commercial or industrial building property in an amount of less than one million dollars ($1,000,000). The insurance policy shall provide for written notice to the City of Coshocton within thirty (30) days of any lapse, cancellation, or change of coverage.
(l) A key box shall be installed on each vacant commercial or industrial building in the City in case immediate access to the interior of the building by Fire Department personnel is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes. Each key box shall be of a type that is approved by the Fire Chief. The key box shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and shall be installed in a location approved by the Fire Chief. The cost of purchase and installation of each key box shall be paid by the owner. Each key box shall contain keys to gain access to all areas of the building, including the roof and basement. The owner or person in control of the building shall immediately notify the Fire Chief and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
(Ord. 29-22. Passed 9-12-22.)