(a) An owner, agent or party in control of vacant property shall register the vacant property with the Director of Public Service on City forms. The registration statement shall include the following information:
(1) Street address of the vacant property and the parcel number of the premises on which the vacant property is located.
(2) Name, legal address and telephone number of the owner making the registration statement and of all persons with any legal interest in the vacant property.
(3) Name, legal address and telephone number of a local agent responsible for the security, maintenance, and marketing of the vacant property.
(4) Utility shut-off dates (water, gas and electric).
(5) Weatherization date of the vacant property.
In case the registrant's legal address is outside Cuyahoga County, the registration statement shall also include the name, legal address and telephone number of a natural person designated by the owner as the authorized agent for receiving notices of code violations and for receiving service of process in connection with the enforcement of this chapter. This agent must either reside or maintain an office in Cuyahoga County.
P.O. Boxes are not an acceptable address for purposes of this chapter.
(b) Amendment. The registrant shall notify the Director of Public Service with 15 days of any change in the registration information by filing an amended registration statement with the Director of Public Service on City forms.
(c) Expiration. Registration is valid for one year from the date of the statement. The owner shall renew the registration upon expiration for as long as the property remains vacant.
(d) Fee. The fee for registering a vacant residential property is $250.00 annually. The fee for registering a vacant commercial property is $500.00 annually. Unpaid fees may be levied as a special assessment against the vacant property and become a lien thereon.
(e) Reports. The owner, agent or party in control of vacant property shall inspect the property monthly for any violations of the Codified Ordinances and other applicable laws. A written report of such inspection shall be provided to the Director of Public Service upon request.
(f) Waivers exempting compliance with the provisions of this chapter may be obtained in writing from the Director of Public Service under the following circumstances provided the property is maintained in safe, secure, and habitable condition:
(1) Residential structure is temporarily unoccupied while the occupant is on vacation.
(2) Residential structure is temporarily unoccupied while the occupant is in an alternative living arrangement.
(3) Residential or nonresidential structure is temporarily unoccupied while being extensively altered or repaired under proper and unexpired permits.
(4) Unoccupied residential or nonresidential structure is listed for sale and the owner is actively attempting to sell the property.
(Ord. 2017-11. Passed 5-22-17; Ord. 2024-22. Passed 3-25-24.)