(A) Request for reconsideration. The owner shall have the right to request reconsideration of the imposition of the registration fees imposed by this subchapter and/or the designation of a building as a vacant structure by filing an application in writing to the building inspector no later than 15 calendar days after the date of notification to owner that a property has been placed on the vacant property registry or that fees are due under this subchapter. On the request for reconsideration, the owner shall bear the burden of providing satisfactory proof of occupancy or that the building in question is not a vacant structure or that the building is exempt from registration.
(B) Waiver of registration fee. The owner of a vacant structure may request a waiver of the registration fee by providing the building inspector said request in writing. The building inspector may, on a case-by-case basis and for good cause shown, grant a waiver request upon advice and consent of the Mayor.
(C) Building inspector’s determination. Within 30 days, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, after the building inspector receives an application pursuant to divisions (A) or (B) above, the building inspector will contact the owner and afford them the opportunity to appear in person related to their request for reconsideration or waiver of fee. Within 30 days, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, after consideration of all information provided by owner and upon advice and consent of the Mayor, the building inspector shall grant or deny the request in writing and provide owner with a copy of the decision.
(D) Appeal of building inspector’s decision. If the owner filed a request pursuant to divisions (A) or (B) above and received an unfavorable decision from the building inspector, the owner may appeal the building inspector’s decision to a review by the Building Maintenance Board. An owner appealing the decision of the building inspector shall file a written appeal with the Town Recorder, indicating the portion of the building inspector’s decision he or she deems inaccurate or incorrect, within 15 days after notice of the building inspector’s decision. As soon as is practicable after receiving the appeal, the Building Maintenance Board shall convene a hearing to hear the dispute and consider the owner’s and building inspector’s respective positions and arguments. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to owner and owner shall be afforded the opportunity to appear in person and be heard on the appeal. As soon as practicable after conclusion of the hearing, the Building Maintenance Board shall issue its findings and conclusions in writing either concurring with or rejecting the findings and conclusions of the building inspector.
(E) Appeal of Board’s decision. Any owner may appeal a decision of the Building Maintenance Board made pursuant to division (D) above, within 30 days of the issuance of such decision to the circuit court of the county.
(Prior Code, § 4-1109) (Ord. passed 8-3-2020)