(a) The owner of a vacant property shall register with the Community Development Department not later than thirty consecutive days after any building becomes a vacant building or being notified by the Community Development Department of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy.
(b) The owner shall appoint an owner agent whenever the owner resides over fifty miles from the address of the vacant property.
(c) 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, excluding P.O. boxes;
(2) The name and address of any third party with whom the owner has entered into a contract or agreement for property management. By designating an owner 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 with 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 direct telephone number where a responsible party can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours.
(d) The vacant property owner shall notify the Community Development Department of any changes in information of their vacant building registration within thirty days of the change.
(e) The vacant property owner and subsequent owners shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained in accordance with all applicable Codified Ordinances of the City of Sidney and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 1301:7-7 Section 311. Including, but not limited to:
(1) Vacant property shall be kept free from weeds, grass more than eight inches high, dry brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building material, any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices, except those required by federal, state or local law, discarded items, including, but not limited to, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances, printed material, signage, containers, equipment, construction materials or any other items that give the appearance that the property is abandoned.
(2) Vacant property shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging or similar markings by removal or painting over with an exterior grade paint that matches the color of the exterior of the structure.
(3) All visible front and side yards shall be landscaped and properly maintained. Landscaping includes, but is not limited to, grass, ground covers, bushes, trees, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, regular watering, irrigation, cutting, pruning and mowing of required landscaping and removal of all trimmings.
(4) Pools, spas and other water features shall be winterized, kept in working order so that the water remains clear and free of pollutants and debris, or drained and kept dry and free of debris.
(5) Vacant property shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons. Secure manner includes, but is not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors, gates and any other opening of such size that may allow a child to access the interior of the property and/ or structures. Broken windows must be repaired or replaced within fifteen days. Boarding up of open or broken windows is prohibited except as a temporary measure.
(6) Vacant property shall be maintained with preventative measures to prevent freeze damage to the structure.
(f) A new owner(s) shall register or re-register the vacant building with the Community Development Department within thirty days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant building if the building continues to remain vacant after transfer.
(g) 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.
(h) Failure of the owner or any subsequent owners to maintain the building and premises shall be subject to any applicable penalties provided by the law.
(i) The Community Development Department shall include in the file any property specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties, or citizens regarding the history, problems, maintenance status, or blighting influence of the vacant property.
(j) The registration, maintenance, and exterior inspection must be completed in its entirety annually for as long the property remains vacant.
(Ord. A-2936. Passed 8-27-18; Ord. A-2975, 8-12-19.)