(a) The owner shall register with the Community Development Department not later than 90 days after any building located in an area zoned for, or abutting an area zoned for, residential or commercial use in the City becomes a vacant building or not later than 30 days of being notified by the Community Development Department of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event first occurs.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Community Development Department and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
(1) The name(s) and address(es) of the owner or owners;
(2) If the owner does not reside in Lake County or an adjacent count, Summit County or Portage County, the name and address of any third party who the owner has entered into a contract or agreement for property management. By designating an authorized agent under the provisions of this section, the owner is consenting that the third party is authorized to receive any and all notices relating to the property and conformance of any and all ordinances;
(3) The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the building;
(4) A telephone number where a responsible party can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours.
(c) All applicable laws and codes shall be complied with by the owner. The owner shall notify the Property Maintenance Officer of any changes in information of their vacant building registration within 30 days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revision(s) must be in writing and must meet the approval of the Property Maintenance Officer and/or Chief Building Official.
(d) The owner and subsequent owners or banks/agents shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained in accordance with all applicable Property Maintenance Codes.
(e) A new owner(s) shall register or re-register the vacant building with the Property Maintenance Officer within 90 days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant building if the building continues to remain vacant after transfer. If fees were paid upon or prior to the transfer of an ownership interest, the new owner(s) will not be required to pay for re- registering the property until such time that the registration fee is due based on the original date of vacancy. This does not mean they do not have to register within 90 days as specified above.
(f) The failure of the owner of the vacant building to obtain a deed for the property or to file the deed with the County Recorder shall not excuse the property owner from registering the property.
(g) Failure of the owner or any subsequent owners to maintain the building and premises that result in remedial action taken by the City shall be subject to any applicable penalties provided by the law.
(h) The Property Maintenance Officer shall include in the file any property specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties, or citizens regarding the history, problems, status, or blighting influence of a vacant building.
(i) The registration and all associated processes must be completed in its entirety annually for as long the property remains vacant.
(Ord. 11-11. Passed 2-22-11; Ord. 15-17. Passed 6-19-17.)