(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 within thirty (30) days from date of their last occupancy with the Chief Building Official. The registration requirement of this section shall not apply to vacant buildings in which an owner is seeking to lease or sell the vacant building, so long as the building is vacant for no longer than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the last occupancy.
(b) Registration shall be made on forms supplied by the Chief Building Official and shall include:
(1) A description of the premises.
(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 to remain vacant.
(c) Upon a complaint about any building pursuant to this chapter, or when any such vacant building comes to his attention, the Chief Building Official 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, and shall 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, to include any garage area, shall be cleaned and free of debris.
(2) The grounds of the premises shall be kept free of weeds and debris and the grass shall be mowed during summer months.
(3) No junk cars shall be parked on the premises.
(e) All buildings, found to be "vacant" as defined in this chapter that are also open and unsecured to trespass, shall additionally meet the following requirements:
(1) All windows and doors, meet the requirements of the Massillon Property Maintenance Code. If the City is required to secure the premises, materials will consist of standard one half inch sheathing secured from the outside.
(2) The sheathing shall be applied in a neat and orderly manner, cut to the size of the opening.
(3) All costs incurred therein by the City will become a lien on the real estate.
(f) The owner of a vacant residential building shall pay a registration fee for each year for such vacant building of $120.00 for residential. The owner of a vacant non-residential building shall pay a registration fee for each year for such vacant building of $240.00 for the first year the building remain vacant. For every year after Year 1 that the building remains vacant, the annual fee will be assessed at double Year 1 's fee. Registrations must be renewed annually in the first month of the calendar year (See Table A).
(g) 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. In addition, on the transfer of ownership of a property any assessed penalties or fines are non-transferable to the new owner.
(Ord. 53-2019. Passed 4-15-19.)