(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish measures to abate the public nuisances, health and safety hazards, and other harmful effects that arise from vacant buildings in the village.
(B) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words and/or phrases shall apply.
(1) VACANT BUILDING. Any building or structure that is unoccupied by a person or occupied by unauthorized persons for more than 30 days, excepting any permitted warehouse, garage, vacation property, or building or structure used only on a seasonal basis. It includes any building condemned or does not have a valid certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance from the village.
(C) Obligations of vacant building owner.
(1) Registration. All owners of vacant buildings shall register with the Building Department on a form provided, their name, telephone number, email address, address(es) of all vacant structures owned, drivers license or state identification number, and date of birth.
(2) Transfer. Upon the transfer of ownership, the information required above shall be provided within 14 days of the change of ownership.
(3) Compliance with East Dundee Municipal Code. The designation of the individual in this section is prima facie evidence of control of the building to be named as a defendant in any legal action to enforce compliance with the applicable provisions of the East Dundee Municipal Code, including those relating to the building maintenance and fire prevention.
(4) Each vacant building must be registered separately.
(D) Registration fee. For each vacant building, the village shall collect a fee determined by the village as stated in the fee schedule dollars.
(E) Renewal of registration. As long as the building remains vacant, the registration shall be renewed on an annual basis, the fee for the renewal is equal to the fee contained in division (D) of this section.
(F) Inspection. Each vacant building registered herein shall be inspected periodically, but not less than annually. The building owner shall, at the owner's expense, submit the inspection report to the Building Department. The report shall be prepared by a duly licensed inspection company or individual and will provide information as follows:
(1) Building openings. Doors, windows, areaways, and other openings shall be weather-tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin and trespassers. Missing or broken doors, windows, or other openings shall be secured.
(2) Roofs. The roof and flashings shall be sound and tight, not admit moisture, or have defects which might admit moisture, rain or roof drainage.
(3) Drainage. The building storm drainage system shall be functional and allow discharge in an appropriate manner.
(4) Building structure. The building shall be maintained in good repair and be structurally sound. Structure members shall be free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads.
(5) Foundation walls. Shall be maintained structurally sound and in a sanitary condition so as not to pose a threat to public health and safety, shall be capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon, and be free from other cracks and breaks, and free from leaks.
(6) Exterior. The property must comply with Appendix A- International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the village.
(G) Penalty and enforcement. A violation of this section shall be a civil matter which may be enforced in Circuit Court, or pursuant to any administrative adjudication procedure established by the village. The penalty for violation of this section shall be in accordance with § 151.999.
(H) Other laws. This section is in addition to all other ordinances of the village and all applicable laws of the state.
(Ord. 08-21, passed 5-5-2008) Penalty, see § 151.999