Do I need a notary for the Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application?

No. The form does not require notarization; the owner or authorized agent signs and dates the certification.

Who needs to register a vacant commercial building?

The document says owners or controllers of vacant commercial buildings must register. It also requires a designated agent when the owner lives outside Lorain.

What should I include with the application?

The form calls for a building plan, proof of $1,000,000 general liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, a cash or surety bond, and applicable fees.

Lorain, OH · Lorain County

No notary required

Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application

This application registers a vacant commercial building with the City of Lorain and is completed by the building’s owner or authorized agent.

What this form is

The City of Lorain requires annual registration of vacant commercial buildings under Chapter 1515, and this application records the property, owner, and any required designated agent. It asks the signer to select a vacant-building plan and provide proof of insurance, a bond, and applicable fees; a rehabilitation plan must include a written timeline and details about security and maintenance.

Who needs it

Owners or controllers of vacant commercial buildings in Lorain complete this application, with a designated agent required when the owner lives outside the city.

How to submit it

Submit the completed form with payment to the City of Lorain Building, Housing & Planning Department, 200 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052. The form lists registration and applicable late fees.

About notarization

This form does not require a notary; the owner or authorized agent signs and dates the certification.

How to submit this form

1
Download The Application
Download the Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application.
2
Complete The Form
Fill in the property and owner information, select a building plan, and have the owner or authorized agent sign and date the certification.
3
Gather Required Items
Include the required insurance proof, cash or surety bond, applicable fees, and a written rehabilitation plan if that plan type is selected.
4
Submit To The City
Send the completed application with payment to the City of Lorain Building, Housing & Planning Department at the address on the form.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary for the Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application?: No. The form does not require notarization; the owner or authorized agent signs and dates the certification.
How do I submit the Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application?: Submit the completed form with payment to the City of Lorain Building, Housing & Planning Department, 200 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052.
Who needs to register a vacant commercial building?: The document says owners or controllers of vacant commercial buildings must register. It also requires a designated agent when the owner lives outside Lorain.
What should I include with the application?: The form calls for a building plan, proof of $1,000,000 general liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, a cash or surety bond, and applicable fees.

Need something notarized?

This Commercial Vacant Property Registration Application doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Lorain form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.