(A) Generally, this chapter includes by reference I.C. 36-7-9, I.C. 36-7-10.1 and I.C. 36-1-6 in that the Town Council has determined that it is in the best interests of all the citizens of the town that this comprehensive land use ordinance be passed and that same be expanded to regulate abandoned vehicles and unattended animals.
(B) It shall be the duty of any person owning a substantial interest or controlling interest in any house, building, structure, premises or vacant lot within the town to maintain said premises in a reasonably clean, orderly and safe condition of habitability.
(C) Further, it shall be a violation of this chapter to allow animals to exist and to roam unattended within the town limits.
(D) Finally, it shall be a violation of this comprehensive ordinance to maintain abandoned vehicles within the town.
(1) Unsafe buildings and unsafe premises. For purposes of this chapter, a building or structure, or any part of a building, structure or premises that is:
(a) In an impaired structural condition that makes it unsafe to person or property;
(b) A fire hazard;
(c) A hazard to the public health;
(d) A public nuisance;
(e) Dangerous to a person or property because of violation of a statute or ordinance concerning building condition or maintenance;
(f) Vacant and not maintained in a manner that would allow human habitation, occupancy or use under the requirements of a statute or an ordinance; or
(g) Used and maintained in any manner contrary to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
(2) Removal of weeds and rank vegetation. It shall be the duty of all property owners to cut and remove weeds and rank vegetation growing on their property located within the town limits. As used in this chapter, WEEDS AND OTHER RANK VEGETATION does not include agricultural crops. Weeds and rank vegetation shall include all vegetation in excess of 12 inches in growth.
(3) Unattended animals. It shall be a violation of this chapter to keep or maintain unattended animals within the town limits.
(4) Unauthorized use of property. It shall be a violation to use any property or premises or part thereof in violation of the comprehensive zoning ordinance as currently written and as hereinafter amended.
(E) The Street Manager for the town is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this section. The Clerk-Treasurer and his or her deputy shall assist the Street Manager in his or her administration and enforcement of this section.
(Ord. 96-3, passed 2-3-1997; Ord. 2021-09, passed 9-13-2021)
Penalty, see § 10.99