(A) Owners of vacant property subject to this Act shall register any vacant property with the program administrator after the property has been vacant for 180 days.
(B) Registration fees.
(1) After 180 days has passed following registration, the owner shall pay a registration fee if property has been vacant for 180 days after initial registration of $250 for a residential property and $1,000 for a commercial property.
(2) Every six months following the payment of the first fee, a supplemental registration fee shall be paid every six months for as long as the property remains on the vacant property registration data base. Each supplemental registration fee shall be $500 for residential property and $2,000 for commercial property. The maximum supplemental registration fee for residential properties shall be $2,500 and $10,000 for commercial property. Registration fees are refundable for the year preceding the date on which the property is no longer vacant, on a pro rated basis considering the number of days vacant and the number of days occupied, or used for storage pursuant to the village's zoning ordinances.
(C) Exemptions from registration and fees; damage by fire or weather.
(1) Vacant properties are exempt from registration and payment of fees if the vacant property that is advertised in good faith for sale or lease.
(2) Vacant properties are exempt from registration and payment of fees if:
(a) A seasonal residence;
(b) Damaged by fire, weather or vandalism;
(c) Under construction or renovation with a valid building permit issued by the village;
(d) Where the owner is temporarily absent, but who has demonstrated his or her intent to return; and
(e) Which is subject to divorce, probate, or estate proceedings.
(D) A building damaged from fire or nature shall be exempt from registration for 90 days after the date of the fire or weather event so long as the owner submits a request for exemption in writing to the village. The program administrator shall prepare a notice of damage form for such exemption request which shall include the following information to be supplied by the owner:
(1) A description of the premises;
(2) The names and addresses of the owner or owners;
(3) The names and addresses of the current/former tenant; and
(4) A statement of intent to repair and reoccupy the building in an expedient manner.
(Ord. 648, passed 12-14-21)