(a) Whenever the Zoning Inspector finds any structure or premises, or any part thereof, to be in violation of the provisions of this Code, the Zoning Inspector shall give or cause to be given or mailed to the owner, agent or operator of such structure or premises a written notice stating the violation, which notice shall order the owner, agent or operator, within a stated reasonable time, to repair, improve or demolish the structure or premises concerned. In determining the amount of time in which remedial action must be completed, the Zoning Inspector shall consider all of the attendant circumstances, including the urgency of the threat to safety and the anticipated costs.
(b) Whenever the owner, agent, occupant or operator of a structure or premises fails, neglects or refuses to comply with any notice of the Zoning Inspector or any notice to demolish and/or vacate a structure or part thereof, issued in accordance with the provisions of this Code, the Zoning Inspector may request the Director of Law or Prosecutor to institute legal proceedings or to take such other action as may be necessary to vacate the premises and abate the nuisance. The Zoning Inspector shall further give notice informing the owner, agent or operator of a structure or premises of such determination and action.
(c) The owner or owners of any property as to which such an order or notice to repair, improve, demolish or vacate has been issued shall not sell or enter into an agreement to sell or lease such property for longer than one year unless such order of the Zoning Inspector has been disclosed and displayed to the prospective purchaser or lessee, or unless or until the owner or owners has received notice from the Zoning Inspector of satisfactory compliance with such order or notice from the Zoning Inspector or other duly constituted authority that such order has been withdrawn or cancelled.
(d) If the person to whom a notice of violation is addressed cannot be found within Lorain County after a reasonable and diligent search, then notice shall be sent by registered mail to the last known address of such person, and warning of the existence of such notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the structure or premises to which it relates. No person shall remove or deface such warning notice without written permission from the Zoning Inspector. Such mailing and posting shall be deemed legal service of notice. Service of a summons and compliant shall be delivered by either personal service or by certified mail, and shall be served in accordance with Rule 4.1 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.
(Ord. 2007-08. Passed 7-2-07; Ord. 2010-45. Passed 12-20-10.)