Whenever the Zoning Enforcement Officer finds any gas station to be abandoned, he or she shall give notice in the same manner as service of a summons in civil cases, or by certified mail addressed to the owner of record of the premises at his or her 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 these Codified Ordinances, by adapting or using the building for another permitted business use, or by razing the gas station structure. Adaption or razing shall include removing the pumps, signs and underground storage tanks and 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, nor shall such provisions apply if a national emergency is declared, which emergency would curtail 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. For good cause shown, an extension for a reasonable period, not to exceed ninety days per extension, may be granted by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Upon the failure, neglect or refusal of any such owner to comply with the notice to abate such abandonment, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall take such action as may be necessary to abate such nuisance.
(Ord. 67-92. Passed 6-8-92.)