(A) Fee assessment. An annual fee is hereby assessed and shall be collected from the owner of each and every vacant structure registered with the city as determined by the following scale; provided, that the time for calculating the fee shall be measured from the month the vacant structure was registered with the city:
(1) No fee shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for less than 12 consecutive months;
(2) A fee of $200 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 12 months nor more than 24 months;
(3) A fee of $400 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 25 months nor more than 36 months;
(4) A fee of $600 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 37 months nor more than 48 months;
(5) A fee of $800 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 49 months nor more than 60 months;
(6) A fee of $1,000 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 61 months nor more than 72 months; and
(7) A fee of $1,500 shall be imposed where the structure is vacant for not less than 73 months, and for each subsequent 12-month period after 73 months.
(B) Challenging fee assessed. Any owner asserting that a registered vacant structure was occupied on any specific date has the burden of establishing by adequate proof that occupancy occurred on a later date.
(C) Evidence. For purposes of challenging the fee assessed, evidence offered to prove a structure is occupied may include, but shall not be limited to, the receipt or delivery of regular mail through the U.S. Postal Service; evidence demonstrating the delivery and payment for telephone, cable, internet, electric, gas, water and sewer services for a period of not less than 180 days without interruptions of more than 30 consecutive days; a valid city business license; or recent federal, state or city income statements indicating that the subject structure is the official personal or business residence of the owner, persons or businesses claiming occupancy of the subject structure.
(Ord. 13-2, passed 4-16-2013)