(a) All buildings presently located within the City which are vacant, as defined in this Chapter, or which hereafter become vacant, shall be registered by the owner thereof with the Building Commissioner within thirty (30) days from the date of their last occupancy. The registration requirement of this Section shall not apply to vacant buildings in which an owner has listed the vacant building with a realtor to lease or sell, so long as the building is vacant for no longer than ninety (90) days from the date of the last occupancy.
(b) Registration shall be made on forms supplied by the Building Commissioner and shall include:
(1) A description of the premises including address.
(2) The names and addresses of the owners of the premises.
(3) The names and addresses of the person or persons who shall be responsible for compliance with this Chapter.
(4) The period of time for which the premises are anticipated to remain vacant.
(5) A floor plan of each floor of the building.
(6) A plan for conforming the premises to applicable minimum housing, health, fire and safety laws and regulations.
(7) Such other information as the Building Commissioner may require.
(c) Upon a complaint of any person that a vacant building exists, or when any such vacant building comes to his attention, the Building Commissioner shall cause inspections to be made of the premises to determine the condition of such building and premises, and whether there exists any fire, safety or health hazards upon the premises. The Building Commissioner shall then provide notices to the owners thereof to comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
(d) As a minimum requirement, all vacant buildings as defined in this Chapter shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The interior of the building, including the garage area, shall be cleaned and free of debris; and
(2) The interior and exterior of the building shall conform to all building code requirements; and
(3) The grounds of the premises shall be kept free of weeds and debris and the grass shall be mowed when necessary to avoid a nuisance; and
(4) No junk cars shall be parked on the premises.
(e) All buildings found to be vacant as defined herein, that are also open and unsecured to trespass, shall additionally meet the following requirements, which shall require approval by the Lyndhurst Building Department:
(1) All doors on the ground floor area, including basement and garage, shall be secured per the requirements of the Lyndhurst Building Department so as to prevent/discourage illegal entry.
(2) All windows and doors shall be repaired, if necessary, and secured from within.
(3) If the City is required to perform any of these tasks, the costs incurred therein by the City will become a lien on the real estate pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, and will be collected as taxes are collected.
(f) The fee for each year or fraction thereof for which such vacant building units are registered shall be $100.00 per building. The owner of any building that is required to be registered by this Chapter may, upon the showing of financial hardship, have the payment of registration fees waived or deferred by the Mayor upon recommendation by the Building Commissioner.
(g) The registration fee shall not apply to any vacant building in which an owner is seeking to lease or sell the vacant building, so long as the building is vacant for no longer than ninety (90) days from the date of the last occupancy.
(h) No registration shall be assignable. If the names or addresses of any of the person required as a part of the registration statement change, a new registration statement shall be properly made within ten (10) days from the date of such change in the same manner and form as herein prescribed.
(Ord. 2018-6. Passed 3-19-18.)