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Vacant Building Registration

 

In February 2025, Cincinnati’s City Council passed an ordinance establishing the Vacant Building Registration (VBR) Program. The VBR program requires owners to register their vacant properties with the City of Cincinnati’s Buildings & Inspections Department. This new ordinance will go into effect in April 2026.

Properties that are registered will be routinely inspected internally and externally each year to ensure the property is maintained. This program was created to address vacant properties before they become blighted properties within our communities. The VBR program will be housed under the Buildings and Inspections Department. It will become part of the Department’s suite of programs geared towards addressing vacant buildings:

1.         Vacant Building Registration Program

2.         Vacant Foreclosed Property Registration Program

3.         Vacated Building Maintenance License Program

 

These programs will work together to:

•           Monitor the over 4,500 vacant buildings across the city

•           Prevent buildings from falling into expensive disrepair

•           Reduce crime on blocks with a higher density of vacant buildings

•           Create safer street blocks

Vacant property owners can complete their VBR application and registration via ezTrak. Failure to register could result in fines. For assistance using ezTrak, refer to How to Register your Vacant Building.

If you have questions or concerns about the requirements to register a property you own, you can visit the City of Cincinnati Building Department website at https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/ if unable to access the registration website you may email us at CincyVBR@cincinnati-oh.gov. If you have questions or if we can be of assistance, you may contact us via the above e-mail or by calling (513) 352-3275.

 

To learn more about the Vacant Building registration Program, please view the VBR Requirements and the Frequently Asked Questions included below.

Your cooperation with the City of Cincinnati is appreciated!

 

VBR Frequently Asked Questions

 

Requirements for Vacant Building Owners

According to Section 1125-01 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, “Vacant building” means a building that:

  • Has not been occupied by human inhabitants with legal authority to be on the premises
  • Where substantially all lawful business or construction operation has ceased or
  • That is 95% or more unoccupied

 

If a building in the City of Cincinnati is vacant for 180 days or more, the owner must complete the following steps:

  1. Secure all openings
    • Doors, windows, areaways and other openings are weathertight and secured against entry by birds, vermin and trespassers. Missing or broken doors, windows and opening coverings are covered with at least one-half inch of CDX plywood, weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening and secured by screws or bolts.
  2. Insure the property.
    • The owner or person in control shall acquire or otherwise maintain general liability insurance in an amount of not less than $300,000 for buildings designed primarily for use as residential units, including buildings containing no more than four dwelling units; and not less than $1,000,000 for any other building, including, but not limited to, buildings designed for manufacturing, industrial, storage, or commercial uses, including buildings containing five or more dwelling units. 
  3. Register the vacant building
    • The owner or person in control of a vacant building must file a vacant building registration within thirty (30) calendar days of the property qualifying as a vacant building under CBC Section 1125-01(2) or within thirty calendar days of assuming ownership, whichever is later. Registration can be completed via ezTrak
    • All vacant building registrations shall be accompanied by the applicable fee.
    • Vacant building certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
  4. Maintain the property for cleanliness and ensure it is secured
    • The premises on which a structure is located is clean, safe and sanitary, maintained free of weeds, junk cars, and litter, and does not pose a threat to the public health or safety.
  5. Designate an authorized agent
    • The owner or person in control of a vacant building shall designate a person residing within 100 miles of the building who will respond to emergency or maintenance issues.
    • The owner or person in control shall provide the name, address, and telephone for this individual, and for any and all persons in control of the vacant building to the director.