(a) The owner or person in control of a vacant commercial building shall submit to the Chief Building Officer (CBO) a Vacant Building Plan with the application. The Vacant Building Permit shall be approved by the Chief Building Officer (CBO) or his/her designee prior to issuance of a Certificate of Registration.
(b) The Vacant Building Plan shall include the owner’s statement directed to the following matters:
(1) Demolition: If the vacant commercial building is to be demolished, the Vacant Building Plan shall include a proposed time frame for demolition which shall include a commencement date within ninety (90) days of approval of the proposed demolition time frame and shall not exceed six (6) months in duration. The Chief Building Official may grant an extension of time upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension.
(2) Secured Structure: If the vacant commercial building is to remain vacant, the Vacant Building Plan shall contain all of the following:
A. A typewritten plan for fire alarm and fire protection as required by the City of Lorain Fire Chief or his designee;
B. A typewritten plan of action to remedy any public nuisance existing in the building or on the property;
C. A typewritten lighting plan for the exterior of the building and property, walkways adjacent thereto, parking or loading areas, and nighttime illumination of areas and walkways of the building and property which may be vulnerable to vandalism and vagrancy as determined by the Chief of Police;
D. A typewritten regular maintenance plan for all exterior lighting and illumination fixtures;
E. A typewritten plan for the maintenance of all structural openings, such as windows, doors, areaways and other openings to avoid the necessity of boarding up. Windows, doors, areaways and other openings that are located on the first floor and facing the street shall not be papered, soaped, blacked-out or boarded up, and to avoid the appearance of being vacant, a form of display shall be set that shall be approved by the Chief Building Official or designee.
F. A typewritten plan of action to maintain the vacant commercial building and property in compliance with the Vacant Building Maintenance Standards as set forth in Section 1515.08 of this Chapter.
(3) Rehabilitation: If the vacant commercial building is burdened by conditions which violate any applicable law, the Vacant Building Plan shall include a plan for a rehab and rehabilitation timeframe for the vacant commercial building. The rehabilitation time frame shall not exceed twelve (12) months unless approved by the Chief Building Official. All applicable laws shall be complied with and all required permits shall be obtained. The building shall be kept secured and in compliance with the Vacant Building Maintenance Standards as provided in Section 1515.08 of this Chapter at all times during rehabilitation.
(Ord. 186-21. Passed 10-18-21.)