Buchanan, MI · Berrien County
Annual Vacant/Under-Utilized Building Registration and Activation Plan Application
This application registers a vacant or under-utilized building in Buchanan and is filed by the property owner or applicant seeking an activation plan, no activation plan, or hardship exception.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Buchanan requires buildings or structures vacant or under-utilized for more than 90 days to be registered. Applicants choose registration with an activation plan, registration without one, or a hardship exception, and provide property details and any required supporting documents. The City reviews the application, may schedule a property inspection, and issues a certificate that is valid for one year; a new application and fee are required if the property remains vacant or under-utilized.
Who needs it
A property owner or applicant must file this application for a Buchanan building or structure that has been vacant or under-utilized for more than 90 days.
Why it needs a notary
The application certification and owner’s consent each have a subscribed-and-sworn jurat; the applicant or authorized agent and each signing property owner must sign before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Get the Annual Vacant/Under-Utilized Building Registration and Activation Plan Application and directions.
- 2
Complete the Form
Fill in all sections, choose a registration option, and gather any required supporting documents.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote appointment for each person who must sign a sworn jurat section.
- 4
Sign on Video
Show identification and sign the required sections during the online notary session.
- 5
Submit to the City
Send the completed application, supporting information, and applicable fee to the City of Buchanan.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Buchanan. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Buchanan vacant building application?
- Choose an application option, complete every section, attach required supporting information, have the required signatures notarized, and submit the application and fee to the City of Buchanan.
- Do I need to notarize this application?
- Yes. The form includes sworn jurat blocks for the application certification and the owner’s consent. Each person signing those sections must sign before a notary.
- Can I sign the application with an online notary?
- Michigan permits remote electronic notarization by its notaries. A commissioned online notary can notarize a document remotely; confirm with the city, village or township if unsure.
- When must I register a vacant or under-utilized building?
- The form says buildings or structures vacant or under-utilized for more than 90 days must be registered with the City of Buchanan.