§ 150.089 REMOVAL OR TAMPERING WITH PLACARD PROHIBITED.

   Once attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered, or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the department or upon written notification from the department.

(Ord. 586-C.S., passed 2-7-95) Penalty, see § 150.999

§ 150.090 REHABILITATION.

   (A)   It shall be the responsibility of the building or structure owner to submit plans to the Building Department for the repair or rehabilitation of damage caused by a disaster. These plans are to be submitted within 30 days of notification by the department that rehabilitation is required.

   (B)   Plans submitted for buildings or structures other than single-family residential, shall require the signature and stamp of an engineer registered and licensed to practice in the state.

   (C)   During the 30-day period following notification, building permits and plan check fees shall be waived for repair or rehabilitation of those buildings or structures stated in the notification. Submittal for permits after the 30-day period shall be subject to all fees applicable at the time.

(Ord. 586-C.S., passed 2-7-95)

§ 150.091 DURATION.

   (A)   All repairs or rehabilitations for which a no fee permit is issued shall be completed within 180 days from the date of the permit was issued.

   (B)   Failure to comply with the time frame indicated may cause the building or structure to be classified as hazardous and therefore a nuisance, and abated as such.

(Ord. 586-C.S., passed 2-7-95) Penalty, see § 150.999

VACANT AND/OR BOARDED BUILDINGS

§ 150.095 FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

   The City Council finds as follows: Vacant buildings are a major cause and source of blight in residential and nonresidential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to actively maintain and manage the building to ensure that it does not become a liability to the neighborhood. Vacant buildings, substandard or unkempt buildings, and long-term vacancies discourage economic development and dampen the appreciation of property values. Vacant buildings are potential fire hazards that can jeopardize the ability of owners of neighboring property to secure or maintain affordable fire insurance. It is the responsibility of property ownership to prevent owned property from becoming a burden to the neighborhood and community and a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare. One vacant building that is not actively maintained and managed can be the cause of spreading blight. Vacant buildings are also a potential source of much needed housing, and the City Council encourages property owners to return vacant buildings to useful purposes whenever possible. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council, through the adoption of this ordinance, to define the responsibilities of owners of, and to establish registration and monitoring programs for, vacant commercial, industrial and residential buildings and properties.

(Ord. 956-C.S., passed 9-3-24)

§ 150.096 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   VACANT BUILDING. A building, structure, unit, or space intended for lawful occupancy but which is without a lawful resident or occupant or which is not being put to a lawful commercial, residential or industrial use, and which may be unoccupied and unsecured; unlawfully occupied and/or occupied and secured by boarding or other similar means; unoccupied and a dangerous structure; or unoccupied, with city municipal code or nuisance violations extant.

(Ord. 956-C.S., passed 9-3-24)

§ 150.097 OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES.

   (A)   The owner of a vacant building must actively maintain and monitor the building. Active maintenance and monitoring must include:

      (1)   Maintenance and appropriate watering and care of landscaping and plant materials;

      (2)   Maintenance of the exterior of the building, including but not limited to, paint and finishes, in good condition;

      (3)   Regular removal of all trash, debris, and graffiti;

      (4)   Maintenance of the building or structure in continuing compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

   (B)   No person may allow a building or structure they own or control that is designed for human, industrial, or commercial use or occupancy to stand vacant for more than ninety days unless one of the following applies:

      (1)   The building is the subject of an active building permit for repair or rehabilitation, or a permit for demolition, and the owner is progressing diligently to complete the repair, rehabilitation, or demolition, as evidenced by commencement and continuation of permitted work and related inspections;

      (2)   The building is being actively maintained and monitored as required by division (A) above, and is actively, and in good faith, being offered for sale, lease, or rent.

   (C)   Owners experiencing exceptional, demonstrable, and specific hardships or circumstances may present written evidence of such, in the form of a declaration by the owner of owner's representative, to the Public Works Director or designee. If such circumstances or hardships are convincingly demonstrated, the owner may be granted up to a one-time, six-month stay of enforcement of this subchapter.

(Ord. 956-C.S., passed 9-3-24)