§ 150.157 VACANT BUILDING REGISTRATION.

   (a)   The owner shall register with the city not later than 30 days after any building in the city becomes a vacant building, as defined in this subchapter.

   (b)   The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the city. The forms shall include a plan for the continued care and upkeep of the property acceptable to the city and a timetable for returning the building to appropriate occupancy or use and/or for demolition of the building and other information deemed necessary by the city.

   (c)   All applicable laws and codes shall be complied with by the owner. The owner shall notify the city of any changes in information supplied as part of the vacant building registration within 30 days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revisions must meet the approval of the city.

   (d)   The owner and any subsequent owners shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained until the rehabilitation or demolition has been completed. The building shall not be used for storage.

   (e)   Any new owner(s) shall register or re-register the vacant building with the city within 30 days of any transfer of an ownership interest in a vacant building. The new owner(s) shall comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted and meet the approval of the city.

(1992 Code, § 11-102) (Ord. 112-03, passed 11-17-2003)

§ 150.158 VACANT BUILDING FEES.

   (a)   The owner of a vacant building shall pay an annual fee of $1,000 for the first year the building becomes a vacant building. If the property is located in a historic district identified by the city of Sioux Falls, the owner shall pay an annual fee of $2,000 for the first year the building becomes a vacant building. Thereafter, if any property remains unoccupied, the subsequent annual fee shall increase by $1,000 increments each year.

   (b)   The first annual fee shall be paid not later than 30 days after the building becomes a vacant building. Any subsequent annual fee shall be due upon renewal of the vacant building registration. If the fee is not paid within 30 days of being due, the owner shall be in violation of this subchapter.

   (c)   The fee shall be paid in full prior to the issuance of any building permits, with the exception of a demolition permit.

(1992 Code, § 11-103) (Ord. 112-03, passed 11-17-2003; Ord. 137-21, passed 11-9-2021; Ord. 53-23, passed 7-5-2023)

§ 150.159 EXEMPTIONS.

   (a)   A building that has suffered fire damage shall be exempt from the registration requirement for 90 days after the date of the fire if the property owner submits a request for exemption in writing to the city.

   (b)   This request shall include the following information supplied by the owner:

      (1)   A description of the premises;

      (2)   The names and addresses of the owner or owners; and

      (3)   A statement of intent to repair and reoccupy the building in an expedient manner.

(1992 Code, § 11-104) (Ord. 112-03, passed 11-17-2003)

§ 150.160 INSPECTIONS.

   The city may inspect any premises in the city for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this subchapter. Procedures for inspections shall be as permitted by § 104 of the Property Maintenance Code.

(1992 Code, § 11-105) (Ord. 112-03, passed 11-17-2003; Ord. 105-08, passed 8-18-2008)

§ 150.161 ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES.

   Nothing in this subchapter shall be deemed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the city authorized by this Code.

(1992 Code, § 11-107) (Ord. 112-03, passed 11-17-2003)

RENTAL HOUSING

§ 150.175 PURPOSE.

   The purpose of this subchapter is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city by requiring permit and registration of rental housing units.

(1992 Code, § 11-110) (Ord. 111-03, passed 11-17-2003)