(a) The owner or person in control shall register at the Office of the Steubenville Planning and Zoning Commission not later than ninety (90) days after any residential or commercial building in the City becomes a vacant building or not later than thirty (30) days of being notified by the Property Maintenance Code Official of the requirement to register based on evidence of vacancy, whichever event first occurs.
(b) The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the Planning and Zoning Commission and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:
(1) The name(s) and residential and mailing address(es) of the owner or owner(s); or person in control or persons in control;
(2) If the owner or person in control does not reside in Jefferson County, Ohio, the name and address of any third party who the owner or person in control has entered into a contract or agreement with for property management. By designating an authorized agent under the provisions of this section, the owner or person in control 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 the owner or person in control can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours; and
(5) A vacant building plan as described in subsection (c) hereof.
(c) The owner or person in control shall submit a vacant building plan which must meet the approval of the Property Maintenance Code Official. The plan, at a minimum, must contain information from one (1) of the following three (3) choices:
(1) If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition which includes starting within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the proposed demolition timeline and completion according to plan, and does not exceed one year in accordance with applicable codes; or
(2) If the building is to remain vacant, a plan for the ensuring the building is secured along with the procedure that will be used to maintain the property, and a statement of the reasons why the building will be left vacant (e.g., building is for sale, etc.); or
(3) If the building is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, a rehabilitation plan for the building and grounds. The rehabilitation plan shall not exceed twelve (12) months from the time building permits are obtained, unless the Building Inspector grants an extension upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the requested extension. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable zoning, housing, historic preservation, health, or building codes and the property must be secured during the rehabilitation.
(d) All applicable laws and codes shall be complied with by the owner or person in control. The owner or person in control shall notify the Property Maintenance Code Official of any changes in the information of their vacant building 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 Property Maintenance Code Official and/or Building Inspector.
(e) The owner or person in control and subsequent owners or persons in control shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained in accordance with all applicable Property Maintenance Codes.
(f) A new owner(s) or person in control shall register or re-register the vacant building with the Planning and Zoning Commission within thirty (30) days of any transfer of an ownership interest in the vacant building if the building continues to remain 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 and meet the approval of the Property Maintenance Code Official.
(g) The failure of the owner or person in control of the vacant building to obtain a deed for the property or to file the deed with the Jefferson County Recorder shall not excuse the property owner or person in control from registering the property.
(h) Failure of the owner or person in control or any subsequent owner(s) or persons in control to maintain the building and premises that result in enforcement action taken by the City shall be grounds for revocation of the approved plan and shall be subject to any applicable penalties provided by the law.
(i) The Property Maintenance Code Official shall include in the file any property specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties, or citizens regarding the history, problems, status, or blighting influence of a vacant building.
(j) The registration and all associated processes must be completed in its entirety annually for as long as the property remains vacant.
(Ord. 2013-89. Passed 1-21-14.)
(Ord. 2013-89. Passed 1-21-14.)