Vacant Buildings

150.155  PURPOSE

     The purpose of this subchapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing a program for identification and registration of vacant buildings, determining the responsibilities of owners of vacant buildings and structures, and providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.


     (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.