(A) (1) Every person in charge of a landmark, a landmark site or a property in a historic district shall keep in good repair:
(a) All of the exterior portions of such buildings or structures; and
(b) All interior portions thereof which, if not so maintained, may cause such buildings or structures to deteriorate or to become damaged or otherwise to fall into a state of disrepair.
(2) The purpose of this section is to prevent a person from forcing the demolition of his or her building by neglecting it and by permitting damage to the building because of weather or vandalism. No provision in this chapter shall be interpreted to require an owner or tenant to undertake an alteration or to restore his or her building to its original appearance.
(B) Ordinary repairs and maintenance may be undertaken without a certificate of appropriateness provided this work on a landmark, a landmark site or property in a historic district does not change its exterior appearance that is visible to the public.
(C) An owner shall immediately notify the city of emergency conditions dangerous to life, health or property affecting a landmark, a landmark site, or a property in a historic district, and the owner shall immediately start and complete the work required to make his or her property safe. In any case where the city determines that there are emergency conditions dangerous to life, health or property affecting a landmark, a landmark site or a property in a historic district, the city shall order the remedying of these conditions without the approval of the Board. The city shall promptly notify the Chairman of the Board of the action being taken.
(D) The Board shall request a meeting with a property owner when his or her landmark or his or her building in a historic district is in poor repair, and the Board shall discuss with the owner ways to improve the condition of his or her property.
(E) The provisions of this section are in addition to all other provisions of all city, local or state codes applicable to building and property maintenance.
(Ord. 2007-4, passed 2-6-07) Penalty, see § 38.15