(A) An owner of a vacant or abandoned structure, whether registered or not, shall pay a vacant or abandoned structure registration fee and a monthly administrative fee for the time during which such structure remains unused for the purposes for which the property is zoned or otherwise lawfully permitted. The vacant or abandoned structure registration fee and monthly administrative fee shall be the same amount as the inspection department administrative fee established in the city's most current fee schedule, which may be amended from time to time at the sole discretion of the city.
(B) Fees under this section shall be established to support the services rendered by the city in the course of its duties related to vacant or abandoned structures. Failure to register a vacant or abandoned structure or pay the registration fee and monthly administrative fees shall be cause for penalties to be assessed and are a criminal violation of this subchapter.
(C) The monthly administrative fee shall be paid so that it is received by the city on or before the seventh day of each month, following each month during which the structure was a vacant or abandoned structure for 15 days or more.
(D) A late fee, in an amount equal to 50% of the inspection department administrative fee rounded up to the next whole dollar amount, shall also be payable by an owner of a vacant or abandoned structure when the monthly administrative fee is not paid by the due date referenced herein and pursuant to the city's most current fee schedule.
(E) Exceptions for the monthly registration fee may be considered by the building official or City Manager if it can be adequately demonstrated that the property is held up in probate and a resolution is forthcoming, under construction with a reopen date established, or for sale with proven attempts to actively sell the property. Initial registration and registration fee is required.
(Ord. 22-002, passed 7-21-2022)