(a) The owner shall register with the Community Development Coordinator not later than ninety (90) days after any building located in an area zoned for, or abutting an area zoned for, residential or commercial use in the Village becomes a vacant building or not later than thirty (30) days of being notified by the Community Development Coordinator of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event occurs first.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Community Development Coordinator and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
(1) The name and address of the owner;
(2) If the owner does not reside in Licking County, Ohio or within twenty miles of Village limits, the name and address of any third party who the owner has entered into a contract or agreement for property management. By designating an authorized agent under the provisions of this section, the owner is consenting that the third party is authorized to receive any and all notices relating to the property and conformance to all requirements under this chapter;
(3) The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties with an 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 division (c) below.
(c) The owner shall submit a vacant building plan which must meet the approval of the Community Development Coordinator. 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 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 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, 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 the owner obtains permits, unless the Community Development Coordinator 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. The owner shall notify the Community Development Coordinator of any changes in 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 be approved in writing by the Community Development Coordinator.
(e) The owner and subsequent owner shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained in accordance with all applicable property maintenance codes.
(f) Any new owner shall register or re-register the vacant building with the Community Development Coordinator within thirty (30) days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant building if the building continues to remain vacant after transfer. The new owner shall comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted and are approved by the Community Development Coordinator.
(g) The failure of the owner 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 from registering the vacant building under this section.
(h) The registration process under this section must be completed annually for every vacant building for as long as the building remains vacant.
(Ord. 19-20. Passed 11-4-20.)