(A) Definition. For the purpose of this definition, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
VACANT BUILDING. Any building, defined as a single structure or portion thereof which is individually owned on a property, such as a single horizontal property regime as outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 499B, which is:
(a) Unoccupied and unsecured;
(b) Unoccupied and secured by means other than those used in the design of the building;
(c) Declared a dangerous building under the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings or a Notice and Order has been issued by the Newton Building Official;
(d) Unoccupied and unfit for occupancy or the intended purpose of the building, as determined by a government agency;
(e) Unoccupied and has Housing and Building Code violations;
(f) Unoccupied for a continuous period of time over 180 days.
(B) General. The responsible party shall register the address of a vacant or abandoned building with the city after the building becomes vacant as defined in this chapter. Registration of a vacant building shall be renewed every calendar year that the building remains vacant. If a building remains unregistered after 180 days, staff shall first sent written notice to the recorded property owner to register a known vacant building by a specified deadline. Failure to register a vacant building or providing false information to the city shall be a violation of this chapter and shall result in a fine established by resolution of the City Council and/or issue a municipal infraction citation to the property owner.
(C) Registration. Vacant building registration shall include the following information:
(1) Address of the vacant building site and/or description of vacant portion;
(2) Legal description of the property on which the vacant building is located;
(3) Name(s) and address(es) of vacant building owner(s);
(4) Names and addresses of all known lienholders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the building; and
(5) Name, address and phone number of the agent designated to act on the behalf of a property owner in accepting legal processes and notices and in authorizing maintenance as required.
(D) Inspections. The owner shall allow inspections upon request of the interior and exterior of the premises for the purposes of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all other city codes. Right of entry is authorized by the International Building Code, 2015 Edition, [A] 104.6 and the International Fire Code, 2015 Edition, [A] 104.3.
(E) Registration fee.
(1) A vacant building registration fee shall be required at the time of building registration or renewal.
(2) The fee shall be established by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 2387, passed 11-16-2020)