A. Any frame building or structure within the fire limits of the City, as hereinbefore prescribed by ordinance, which has or may be damaged by fire, decay or other causes to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of the fair market value as existed immediately prior to the casualty or onset of decay, shall be torn down and removed, or rebuilt with nonflammable walls.
B. Upon written notice by the Commissioner of Parks, Public health and Safety, to the effect that such building has been so damaged, filed with the City Clerk, the City Clerk shall notify the City Council of the receipt of such notice.
C. The City Council shall then appoint three (3) persons to determine whether or not such building or structure has been damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its value, as described above.
D. A copy of the notice of the appointment of this board of three (3) persons to determine the damage shall be served upon the owner of the premises by personal service or by registered mail at his last known address.
E. Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:
To
You are hereby notified that has determined that the building owned by you at located within the fire limits of the City has been damaged by fire, decay or otherwise to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value as existed immediately prior to the casualty or onset of decay and that a board of three (3) persons has been appointed to verify this finding, which board will hold its first meeting in City Hall on the day of at the hour of o'clock, at which time it will determine whether or not this finding is correct.
If this finding is verified by the board, you must tear down and remove the said building, or rebuild it with nonflammable walls.
F. If this finding is verified by the board, and it determines that the building in question has been damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its value, as described above, it shall be the duty of the owner to tear down and remove the building within twenty (20) days after the finding of such board, or to remodel it to comply with the requirements for new buildings in the fire limits, and it is unlawful to occupy or permit the occupancy of such building after such finding until it is so remodeled. (1964 Code § 281; amd. 2000 Code)