(a) A building under active construction/ renovation and having a valid building permit(s) at the time of initial inspection shall be exempt from registration until the expiration of the longest running, currently active building permit.
(b) A building which has suffered fire damage or damage caused by extreme weather conditions shall be exempt from the registration requirement for a period of ninety (90) days after the date of the fire or extreme weather event if the property owner or person in control submits a request for exemption in writing to the Property Code Department. This request shall include the names and addresses of the owner or owners or person or persons in control, and a statement of intent to repair and reoccupy the building in an expedient manner, or the intent to demolish the building.
(c) A building that is for sale and listed with a licensed State of Ohio realtor shall be exempted for a period of 12 months from the start of vacancy, provided that the owner or person in control submits proof to the Property Code Department of such listing and for sale status. The owner or person in control shall provide the name and contact information for any realtor listing the property to the Property Code Department.
(d) A building may be granted an exemption pursuant to the following: Any owner or person in control of a vacant building may request an exemption from the provisions of this chapter by filing a written application with the Property Code Department, which shall timely consider same. In determining whether a request for exemption should be granted, the Property Code Department shall consider the following: The applicants prior record as it pertains to City Housing Code, Building Code, or Property Maintenance Code violations; the amount of vacant property the applicant currently has within the city; and the length of time that the building for which the exception is sought has been vacant. The condition of the property will be taken into account. A vacant building that is well maintained and clean and does not appear vacant or unkept shall be considered for a 12-month exemption.
(Ord. 5-19. Passed 2-25-19.)
(e) The application of this chapter shall not be inconsistent with or contrary to any and all requirements for historical structures established by any city, state, or federal agency.
(f) This section shall not apply to any residential properties determined to be temporarily vacant as defined in this section.
(g) All requests for an exemption shall be made to the Property Code Department. The Property Code Investigator, Mayor and Safety Service Director shall make a decision and notify the applicant within fourteen (14) days of the filing of the request for exemption.
(Ord. 29-22. Passed 9-12-22.)