Whenever the Building Inspector finds any automobile service station or filling station to be abandoned within the meaning of this chapter, he shall give notice in the same manner as service of summons in civil cases or by certified mail addressed to the owner of record of the premises at his last known address or to the address to which tax bills are sent or by a combination of the foregoing methods to abate such abandoned condition within sixty days either by placing the station in operation in accordance with this Building Code, adapting or using the building for another permitted business use or by razing the service station structure. Adaption or razing shall include removing the pumps and signs, abandoning the underground storage tanks in accordance with accepted safe practice as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association in Appendix C to NFPA Number 30 under the supervision of the Division of Fire, filling depressions to the grade level of the lot. However, if the station is in operation at the time notice is given and remains in operation for ninety consecutive days thereafter, the provisions of this section shall not apply and if there should be declared a national emergency which curtails the operation of motor vehicles or if Council determines that there exists a state of general economic depression or if the closure of such station results from street widening, sewer installation or some other public improvement, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply. For good cause shown, an extension for a reasonable period not to exceed ninety days per extension may be granted by the Building Inspector. Upon the failure, neglect or refusal of any such owner to comply with the notice to abate such abandonment, the Building Inspector shall take such action as may be necessary to abate the nuisance.
(Ord. 73-46. Passed 10-22-73.)