(a) The owner shall register with the Housing Department no later than ninety (90) days after any structure in the city of Salem becomes vacant and no later than thirty (30) days of being notified by the Zoning or Housing or Fire Department of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event occurs first.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Housing 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 Columbiana County or within twenty-five (25) miles of the city of Salem, Ohio, the name and address of the third party who the owner has entered into 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 property;
(4) A telephone number where a responsible party can be reached at all times during business and non business hours; and
(5) A Vacant Structure Plan to rectify the issue of vacancy or evidence that the vacant structure in any part of the city, meets the International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the City of Salem.
(c) The owner shall submit a Vacant Structure Plan which must meet the approval of the Fire Inspector and/ or Housing Officer as applicable. The plan at minimum, must contain information from one of the following three choices:
(1) If the structure is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition which indicates starting within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and does not exceed one year in accordance with the Ohio Building Code; or
(2) If the structure is to remain vacant, a plan for ensuring the structure is secured by normal means, a statement of the reasons why the structure will be left vacant, and a plan of maintenance of the structure during vacancy that is accepted by the Fire Chief or Housing Officer as appropriate; or
(3) If the structure is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, a rehabilitation plan for the structure and grounds. The rehabilitation plan shall not exceed twelve (12) months from the time they obtain permits, unless the Fire Inspector or Housing Officer as appropriate, grant an extension upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the Structure must comply with any and all applicable Zoning, Housing, Historic Preservation, or Building Codes, and the Structure must be secured during the rehabilitation.
(d) Owner shall be in compliance with all applicable laws and codes. The owner shall notify the Housing Officer of any changes in information of the Vacant Structure Registration within thirty (30) days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revision(s) must be submitted in writing and must meet the approval of the Housing Officer or Fire Inspector as appropriate.
(e) The owner and subsequent owners shall keep the structure secured and safe and the structure and grounds properly maintained in accordance with the ordinances of the City of Salem.
(f) A new owner(s) shall register or re register the vacant structure within 30 days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant structure with the Housing Department if the structure remains vacant after transfer. The new owner(s) shall comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted in writing and approved by the Housing Officer.
(g) Failure of the owner or subsequent owner(s) to maintain the structure that result in actions taken by the City of Salem shall be grounds for revocation of the approved plan and shall be subject to any and all applicable penalties provided by law or statute.
(h) The failure of the owner(s) of the vacant structure to obtain a deed for the property or to file the deed with the County Recorder shall not excuse the owner from registering the structure.
(i) The Housing Officer shall include in the file, any structure specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties, or citizens regarding the history, problems, status, or blighting influence of the vacant structure.
(j) The registration and all associated processes must be completed in its entirety annually for as long as the structure remains vacant.
(Ord. 201201-63. Passed 12-1-20.)