COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) -- A new Ohio law that took effect Tuesday may change the face of boarded up properties and blighted areas.

The state became the first in the nation to outlaw the use of plywood on certain vacant properties.

The ban was tucked into House Bill 463 and is expected to be a boon for a practice called clear-boarding. Columbus Code Enforcement Administrator Dana Rose said the law only applies to expedited foreclosures.

"An average citizen that has a house that becomes vacant for some reason and they need to board it up, at this time they can go ahead and use the plywood," said Rose.

"It's a lot stronger than plywood, harder to rip off, harder to get off the property, and it is clear. So from the street, it makes the property look a whole lot better. A lot of times you can't tell the property is vacant at all," said Rose.

Other proponents of the polycarbonate said it would be helpful to first responders so they can see what or who is in a house before they enter.

"I think it is a good idea for protection-wise, safety-wise and for other reasons why because people can look in, see what is going on before they go in an empty house," said Don Jordan, a retired repair person.

So far, the Columbus Fire Division of Fire's spokesman said they have no official position on the ban and want to see how clear-boarding works out.

However Jordan, who was shopping at Lowe's, points out the cost difference between plywood and clear board is significant. A 4-by-8 sheet of plywood costs around $20, but a clear sheet of polycarbonate costs about $115.

The bill does not specify any penalties for breaking the ban.

Rose said he will look at best practices in other cities to explore whether the city may expand the plywood ban to other areas.