(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, whenever any building in the city is vacant as defined within this chapter or declared vacant by the city’s Building Inspector as provided within this chapter, then the owner of such building shall, within 10 days of the occurrence of the first of the aforementioned events to occur, register such building as a vacant building and submit a vacant building plan; also provided that no registration shall be required prior to November 1, 2010 in regard to original Ordinance Number 2246; provided further that in regard to the amendments provided herein, no additional registration other than that required in Ordinance Number 2246 is required prior to May 1, 2014 which is the effective date of the amendatory ordinance codified herein, Ordinance Number 2479.
(B) The Building Inspector shall have the discretion to determine that a building which meets any of the criteria set forth in the definition of vacant building as provided herein is not to be regulated under this chapter for a stated period if upon consideration of reliable, substantiated and sufficient evidence, the Building Inspector determines that the circumstances, which give rise to the building being eligible for regulation hereunder are clearly temporary in nature and are either in the process of being addressed or will soon be addressed by the owner and that therefore regulation of the building under this chapter would not serve the public health, welfare and safety and makes written findings in support of the Building Inspector’s decision. The determination shall be in writing and shall state the factual basis for the determination. Notice of said determination shall be provided in writing by the Building Inspector to the person designated by the County of LaSalle as receiving the real estate tax bill regarding said premises. The contents of said notice of said determination requiring registration shall include the following:
(1) The Street address of the building or a description sufficient for identification;
(2) A statement requiring the proper owner to register the building with the department to apply for the necessary permits within 10 days of the mailing of the notice, and to enclose the building in compliance with this chapter;
(3) A statement requiring the property owner and/or permit holder to call the department prior to completion of the enclosure in order to schedule an inspection;
(4) A statement whereby the owner or his or her designated agent shall be responsible for maintaining the property free of any brush, dead or dying trees, stumps, roots or solid waste material; and that the grass and weeds shall not exceed 6 inches in height;
(5) A copy of this chapter pertaining to registered buildings; and
(6) If a violation of the LaSalle City Code of Ordinances is alleged in connection with the building or premises thereto, the violations shall be specified in the notice.
(C) The owner or responsible party shall apply for vacant building registration within 10 days of the mailing of the notice.
(Ord. 2246, passed 10-4-2010; Am. Ord. 2479, passed 3-11-2014)