[Ord. No. 8748, 11-22-2021]
A. 
Any freestanding commercial or industrial building which remains unoccupied for one hundred twenty (120) days shall be maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
1. 
All exterior openings shall be boarded up with not less than one-fourth (1/4) inch tempered Masonite or three-eighths (3/8) inch plywood, cut to fit within the openings, fastened in place as securely as possible and suitably coated with an appropriate neutral color harmonizing with the exterior colors of the building as inconspicuously as possible. Such work shall be performed in a neat and workmanlike manner.
2. 
All signs and signposts, other than real estate signs, relating to such premises shall be removed.
3. 
Every window, glazed exterior door, exterior transom or exterior sidelight of an unoccupied building shall be provided with properly installed glass or other approved glazing material and in the event of breakage the owner shall immediately remove all broken glass and temporarily board up with suitable materials.
B. 
Any such building which had been used as a service station shall have all above ground pumps and pump islands removed and all underground tanks shall be filled with sand.
C. 
The owner of any building or structure subject hereto who shall fail to comply with these requirements, ten (10) days after written notice thereof from the Building Commissioner, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to the penalties provided for violation of City ordinances.
D. 
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any building or structure designated as a landmark under the provisions of Sections 120.280 and Article XII of Chapter 405 of this Code (Sections 405.425 et seq.).
[Ord. No. 8748, 11-22-2021]
A. 
A semi-annual registration fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be charged to the owner of any residential structure, including a structure containing multiple dwelling units, which has been vacant for six (6) months or more and is in violation of the City's housing codes. In the event that the registration fee is not paid within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice, a lien may be placed on the property, enforceable as are other liens, by recording in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in St. Louis County, a true copy of a statement attested to by the Director of Finance stating that the fee has remained unpaid and shall constitute a lien for principle and interest and shall be in full force and effect until final payment has been made. Sworn statements recorded in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be prima facie evidence that all legal formalities have been complied with and that the fee is due and owing, and this shall constitute full notice to every person that the amount of the fees plus interest constitutes a charge against the property designated in the statement and that the same is due and collectible as provided by law. In addition to the filing of such lien, or in lieu of filing of such a lien, the City shall have the right to collect these fees by including the fees on the bill for the payment of real and personal property taxes and all other taxes due and owing.
B. 
A forty-five dollars ($45.00) inspection fee shall be charged for an inspection to the owner of any residential structure, including a structure containing multiple dwelling units, which has been vacant for six (6) months or more and is in violation of the City's housing codes.
[Ord. No. 8748, 11-22-2021]
A. 
It is the purpose of this Section to provide for registration of residential buildings that have been vacant for more than six (6) months.
B. 
Registration Of Vacant Buildings.
1. 
Notice Of Registration. Notice shall be given to the property owner and managing agent of record that a "Residential Vacant Property Registration Application" is required; however, the obligation to register rests solely with the owner whether or not the owner received notice. If notice is served by mail the notice shall be sent to the owner's and managing agent's last known address and the date of mailing shall be the date of service and anniversary date of vacancy. A "Residential Vacant Property Registration Form" will be provided by the Public Works Department (and can be obtained online from the City's website).
a. 
Amount Of Fee. There is hereby established and assessed an annual fee in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00) subject to owners of property to be registered under this Section.
b. 
Owner Responsible. It shall be the joint and several responsibility of each owner of property registered pursuant to this Article to pay the annual registration fee.
c. 
Vacant Property Registration Form. A "Residential Vacant Property Registration Form" must be completed and returned with the following information:
(1) 
Name, street address and telephone numbers of the owner or owners and all other parties with ownership interest in the property.
(2) 
Name, street address and telephone numbers of any registered property manager or any other responsible person so appointed by the owner.
(3) 
Status of property, vacant or occupied.
(4) 
Utility status.
(5) 
A plan or timeline to establish lawful occupancy, rehabilitation, removal or demolition of the structure.
(6) 
Renew the vacant property registration each year on the anniversary date of the first filing for the time the building remains vacant and pay the required fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
d. 
Exemptions. "Residential Vacant Property Registration" charges are exempt under the following circumstances:
(1) 
A property that is actively listed for sale and/or rent, and has a current approved municipal housing inspection.
(2) 
A property that has suffered damage caused by fire, extreme weather (i.e., tornado, flood, etc.) or other catastrophe which has rendered the property unoccupiable shall be exempt for a period of ninety (90) days. If at the end of the ninety-day period a building permit has been issued for the repairs the exemption status will remain for an additional ninety (90) days, subject to receiving approval of a ninety-day extension, and subject to consideration for delays caused by the insurance provider, arson investigation or properly documented extenuating circumstances.
(3) 
A property that is undergoing rehab or restoration under an approved permit issued by the City of Florissant.
(4) 
A property that is occupied/owned/rented by a member of the military who is deployed for military service and is otherwise maintained and secured.
(5) 
A property that is occupied only on a seasonal basis (winter residence, etc.) and is otherwise maintained, secure and in substantial compliance with all applicable codes, regulations and laws.
e. 
Failure To Pay Fee Unlawful. It shall be unlawful for any owner of property registered pursuant to this Article to fail to pay the registration fee imposed for such property. Any person found guilty of failing to pay any required fee shall be punished as provided in Section 100.080 of the Code of Ordinances.
f. 
The fee shall be paid no later than thirty (30) days after the building is found to be vacant for six (6) months.
g. 
Fees required by this Section shall be paid in full prior to the issuance of any building or occupancy permit. Fees shall be paid by the owner prior to any transfer of ownership. In the event a fee is not paid, a lien may be placed on the property, enforceable as are other liens, by recording in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in St. Louis County a true copy of a statement attested to by the Director of Finance stating that the fee has remained unpaid and shall constitute a lien for principal and interest and shall be in full force and effect until final payment has been made.