(A) There is hereby created in the city a registry of vacant structures.
(B) Owners of real property are required to register all vacant structures within 30 days of the vacancy, except where the structure in question is being repaired or remodeled and a valid building permit has been issued for that project. This excludes rental properties in between rentals and does not meet the definition of evidence of vacancy as defined herein.
(C) Structures that are vacant at the time of the enactment of this chapter must register within 30 days after notification of the enactment of this chapter.
(D) A real estate company that has a vacant structure listed for sale may, as the owner’s agent, register that property for their client within 90 days of signing a sales contract. Upon notification by the city that an owner has failed to register a vacant structure that is listed with a real estate company, the listing real estate company may register that property with the property owner’s current contact information. Registration fees and subsequent fines shall be the responsibility of the property owner. (See § 95.37).
(E) Owners who are required to register their properties pursuant to this chapter shall submit a completed vacant structure registration form provided by the city containing at minimum the following information:
(1) The name of the owner of the property;
(2) A mailing address where mail may be sent that will be acknowledged as received by the owner;
(3) The name of a responsible party for the care and control of the property;
(4) A current address, phone number, fax and email address (if fax and email addresses are available) where communications may be sent that will be acknowledged as received by the owner or responsible party for the care and control of the property. If certified mail/return receipt requested is sent to the address and the mail is returned marked “refused” or “unclaimed,” or if ordinary mail sent to the address is returned for whatever reason, then such occurrence shall be prima facie proof that the responsible party has failed to comply with this requirement; and
(5) The vacant structure registration form shall also contain, directly above the signature lines, a statement of acknowledgment and acceptance of the city’s property maintenance requirements.
(Prior Code, § 18-A-03-04) (Ord. 1215, 8-17-2020)