(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish a vacant building registration and abatement program to serve as a mechanism for protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare; to enhance communications between the city and private property owners; to prevent public and private nuisances and potential fire hazards; and to provide for the administration and procedures required to carry out the provisions of this section.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUILDING. A building or structure designed for business use or human use or occupancy.
CITY. The designated agents authorized to administer and enforce this chapter and section.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY. An owner, occupant, entity, or person acting as an agent for the owner who has direct or indirect control or authority over the building or real property upon which the building is located; and any party having a legal or equitable interest in the property. RESPONSIBLE PARTY may include, but is not limited to, a realtor, service provider, mortgagor, leasing agent, management company or similar person or entity.
VACANT BUILDING. A building or structure is vacant if no person or persons actively and currently conduct a lawful business, including applicable zoning requirements and uses, or lawfully reside or live in any part of the building in accordance with the city's zoning regulations.
(C) Vacant building policy. The city shall develop a vacant building policy outlining the process for registration, inspection, and disposition of vacant properties subject to the provisions of this section. Said policy may provide for any fee or fees related to the implementation of the vacant building policy or the provisions of this section, including but not limited to registration and inspection of fees. Said policy shall be approved by resolution of the City Council.
(D) Vacant building registration. The owner of or responsible party for any vacant building must register said vacant building with the city pursuant to the vacant building policy.
(E) Penalties. Any owner or responsible party who violates any section of this section or an adopted vacant building policy is subject to the penalty as provided under § 10.99. Said remedies are not exclusive and nothing in this section is intended to limit, prevent, or impair other remedies or civil penalties available to the city under this code or state law.
(Ord. 2387, passed 11-16-2020; Ord. 2445, passed 6-3-2024)