(a) The owner shall register with the Department of Planning and Development not later than ninety (90) days after a dwelling located in an area zoned for residential use in the City becomes vacant or not later than fourteen (14) days after being notified by the Department of Planning and Development of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event first occurs. Upon registration approval, the City shall issue a Vacant Dwelling Registration Certificate bearing emergency contact information and the owner shall cause the certificate to be displayed on the main entrance door to the dwelling. The certificate shall expire after one year and if the dwelling remains vacant the owner shall apply for a renewal certificate.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Development and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
(1) The name(s) mailing address(es), telephone number(s) and email address(es) of the owner or owners;
(2) If the owner does not reside in Lake County, the name and address of any third party or servicing agent with whom the owner has entered into a contract or agreement for property management. By designating a third party or servicing agent, the owner is agreeing that the third party/servicing agent is authorized to receive any and all notices relating to the property and to contract for services to bring the dwelling into conformance with all applicable ordinances;
(3) The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the dwelling;
(4) A telephone number where a responsible party can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours, and an email address (if available); and
(5) A vacant dwelling plan as described in division (c) of this section.
(c) The owner shall submit a vacant dwelling plan which must meet the approval of the Code Enforcement Supervisor or his/her designee. The plan, at a minimum, must contain information from one of the following three (3) choices:
(1) If the dwelling is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition which includes starting within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and does not exceed one year in accordance with the Ohio Building Code; or
(2) If the dwelling is to remain vacant, a plan for ensuring the dwelling is secured in accordance with Section 1349.31 along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, and a statement of the reasons why the dwelling will be left vacant (e.g., is for sale, etc.); or
(3) If the dwelling is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, a rehabilitation plan for the dwelling and grounds. The rehabilitation plan shall not exceed twelve (12) months from the time permits for same are obtained, unless the Chief Building Official grants an extension upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable zoning, housing, historic preservation, or building codes, and the property must be secured during the rehabilitation.
(Ord. 14-O-24. Passed 4-1-14; Ord. 18-O-075. Passed 9-4-18.)