(a) The owner of a building or structure kept vacant by the owner, or ordered in whole or in part vacated or kept vacant by the Building Commissioner, shall apply for a Vacant Building Maintenance License. The owner shall also cause the premises to conform to the minimum standards of safety and structural integrity set forth in Section 1325.09.
(b) The owner of a building or structure kept vacant or ordered in whole or in part vacated or kept vacant by the Building Commissioner shall acquire or otherwise maintain general liability insurance in an amount of not less than $300,000 for buildings designed primarily for use as residential units, including buildings containing no more than four dwelling units. For any other building, including, but not limited to, buildings designed for manufacturing, industrial, storage, or commercial uses, including buildings containing five or more dwelling units, the owner shall acquire or maintain not less than $1,000,000 of general liability insurance. Any insurance policy acquired after an order to vacate or keep the building vacant shall provide for written notice to the Building Commissioner within thirty (30) days of any lapse, cancellation, or change in coverage. Upon request, the owner shall provide evidence of the insurance to the Building Commissioner.
(c) An owner who keeps a property vacant or is subject to Section 1325.01 shall apply for a Vacant Building Maintenance License and obtain liability insurance in the amount required by subsection (b) within 30 days from the date of issuance of the initial order to vacate the building or portion thereof. The owner shall cause the premises to conform to the minimum standards of safety and structural integrity set forth in Section 1325.09 within 60 days from the date of the issuance of the initial order to vacate the building or portion thereof. The Commissioner may extend the time in writing, upon the owner showing good cause for extension. Any such extensions of time shall not exceed a total of 180 days, following the expiration of the 60 day period.
(d) If the owner of a building kept vacant or ordered vacated or kept vacant by the Building Commissioner fails to comply with Section 1325.07(b) or Section 1325.09 or fails to renew the license as provided in Section 1325.10 prior to the annual renewal date or due date, the Building Commissioner may charge the owner or person in control with failure to comply with orders pursuant to Section 1325.99 and take other action as authorized by this Chapter. The annual renewal date shall be the anniversary of the date that the building or portion thereof was initially ordered to be vacated or kept vacant.
(e) The owner may apply for up to a two year waiver of the license fee if the owner demonstrates with satisfactory proof that the owner has both a development plan and a satisfactory financing commitment in place. The owner will apply for this waiver with the Building Commissioner who will make a recommendation to City Council, which shall determine whether a waiver shall be granted upon each application. During the waiver period, the property shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Norwood Property Maintenance Code.
(Ord. 16-2010. Passed 4-13-10.)