15.40.050 Vacant commercial space registration.
A. At least one (1) responsible person for each vacant commercial building must register that building with the city within ten (10) calendar days of the date the space becomes a vacant commercial building, as that term is defined in Section 15.40.030, unless:
1. The space is the subject of a current, valid building permit for repair or rehabilitation and the responsible person provides proof, such as receipts, invoices or executed contracts, that the repair or rehabilitation is proceeding without significant delay; or
2. The space meets all applicable codes and regulations that apply to a permitted use, and the responsible person is actively attempting to sell, lease or rent the property (which is evidenced, in part, by appropriate signage); or
3. The property the commercial building is located on is the subject of a land use application for redevelopment for which approval has been granted but building permits have yet to be issued.
B. A space will be considered registered on the date the city received, on a form provided by the community development department and properly completed and signed by a responsible person, the following information:
1. The street address and parcel number of the vacant commercial building;
2. The name, address, email and daytime and evening telephone numbers of each responsible person for the vacant commercial building, including any owner or tenant;
3. The period of time the vacant commercial building is expected to remain vacant; and
4. Any other information requested by the director for the administration of this chapter.
C. A responsible person must post a notice as provided by the community development department in a conspicuous spot inside every vacant commercial building so as to be clearly visible to all potential tenants, lessees, renters or buyers upon entering the space but not visible from outside the space.
D. A responsible person must renew the registration of each vacant commercial building on or before January 1st of each year that the space remains vacant. A responsible person must submit the renewal application to the city on forms provided by the community development department.
E. Upon satisfactory proof to the director that the vacant commercial building is occupied as defined in Section 15.40.030, the vacant commercial building will be unregistered. Proof of physical occupation may include, but is not limited to, usable furniture, office equipment, retail inventory or other equipment and inventory in the space that is consistent with the building’s intended use, and persons regularly present at and using the building for its intended use. Proof of physical occupancy must also include documentation, which may include, but is not limited to, a current, executed lease agreement, paid utility receipts reflecting payments for six (6) consecutive months from the month the space is occupied, or valid state and local business licenses, federal income tax or city business and occupation tax statements indicating the subject space is the official business address of the person or business address of the person or business claiming occupancy.