§ 95.004 CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

   The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby established and shall be the person delegated as such by the City Manager or his or her designees. Unless otherwise provided it shall be the duty and responsibility of the Code Enforcement Officer to enforce the provisions of this chapter and to legally proceed against each and every person found in violation of the requirements of this code. All inspections, regulations and enforcement of violations of the provisions of this chapter, unless expressly stated to the contrary, shall be under the direction and supervision of the Code Enforcement Officer.

(Ord. 20-01, passed 1-6-20; Am. Ord. 21-40, passed 9-7-21)

VACANT PROPERTIES

§ 95.020 PREVENTION OF BLIGHT THROUGH VACANCY.

   It is the purpose and intent of the Albemarle City Council, through the adoption of this chapter, to establish minimum standards for the maintenance of all vacant commercial and non-residential properties as a mechanism to preserve the integrity of Albemarle's commercial districts from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned and vacant properties and to prevent the appearance of vacancy or neglect on occupied properties. Additionally the town desires to deter crime and theft of materials, to minimize loss of property value to vacant properties and surrounding occupied properties, to reduce the risk of damage from fire, flooding or other hazards, and to promote the comfort, happiness and emotional stability of area residents. The city finds that the presence of properties exhibiting evidence of vacancy pose special risks to the health, safety, and welfare of the community and therefore require heightened regulatory attention. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all non-residential and commercial properties in the city limits of Albemarle.

(Ord. 20-01, passed 1-6-20; Am. Ord. 21-40, passed 9-7-21)

§ 95.021 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OWNER.

    In accordance with G.S. 160A-174 and 160A-194, it shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner of any non-residential premises to see that said non-residential premises under the control of the owner are maintained to minimize the appearance of vacancy and prevent the appearance of blight or neglect in accordance with the following sections.

(Ord. 20-01, passed 1-6-20; Am. Ord. 21-26, passed 7-12-21)

§ 95.022 REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

   In order to determine and document the location of vacant structures for the purpose of monitoring blight, preventing abandonment of structures, deterioration of buildings leading to unsafe conditions, improving quality of life for residents and helping to improve the economic vitality of the city, Albemarle City Council authorizes the City Manager and his or her designees to initiate a mandatory vacant property registry program as is deemed necessary by the City Manager and as resources permit. Once initiated, said program shall consist of the following requirements for owners of commercial and non-residential properties in the areas designated by the City Manager or his or her designee, up to and including the entirety of the incorporated limits of the city. Unless otherwise formally decided upon by City Council, such registration shall be maintained free of charge to vacant property owners, except in the event of violations as provided in this chapter.

   (A)    Any vacant commercial or non-residential property that has been vacant for at least 180 days must be registered by the owner with designated city staff, either:

      (1)    Of the owner of a vacant property's own accord before receiving a notice of registration requirement; or

      (2)    Within 30 days of receiving a notice of registration requirement from the town.

   (B)   The city will send an initial notice of registration requirement to the owner of record of properties that exhibit evidence of vacancy as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer or his or her designee(s). Owner shall register property within the time period set forth in division (A) of this section unless owner can provide clear and convincing evidence to the code enforcement officer or his or her designee(s), within such time period, that the property is not vacant.

   (C)    The registration shall contain for each vacant property:

      (1)    The name of the owner (corporation or individual);

      (2)    The direct street/office mailing address of the owner and P.O. Box if applicable; and

      (3)    A direct contact name and phone number.

   (D)    Any changes in the owner's information, including new ownership shall be reported to the city staff within 30 days of such changes.

   (E)    Any future occupancies of the building for non-residential purposes shall be reported to city staff within 30 days with proof of occupancy.

   (F)    Vacant properties shall remain subject to the registration, maintenance, and security requirements of this chapter as long as they remain vacant.

   (G)    Failure to provide requested information upon receipt of notice of registration requirement or to provide updated information in accordance with the times provided may result in civil penalties as provided in Chapter 10 of City Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. 20-01, passed 1-6-20; Am. Ord. 21-40, passed 9-7-21)