(A) It is the policy of the city that boarding is a temporary solution to prevent unauthorized entry into a building and that vacant buildings are a public nuisance. A vacant building may not remain boarded or vacant longer than six months unless an extension of that time is part of a plan approved by the Commissioner. At the end of the six month period, the owner must have taken one or more of the following steps:
(1) The boards shall be removed and windows, doors, and penetrations shall be in good repair;
(2) A demolition permit has been obtained and work scheduled to begin within 10 days;
(3) A building permit has been obtained to repair the structure with the work having been started; or
(4) The building has been listed for sale or rent with a multiple listing services (MLS) real estate broker at a reasonable asking price and the building shall be available for viewing by potential buyers. A reasonable price will be the assessed value or less.
(B) Note. Division (A)(1) above must have taken place. The maximum amount of time a compliant structure will be allowed to remain vacant is two years and only with Commissioner approval. A compliant structure that has been vacant longer than two years and it is shown that a good faith effort to occupy the structure has been proven will be considered for extension beyond the two years.
(C) This regulation does not excuse the owner from following all other provisions of the city code regarding the care and upkeep of the property, including without limitation, maintaining the yard and keeping it junk and litter free.
(Ord. O-29-16, passed 11-1-16)