Chapter I of the state’s Building Code is enacted to read as follows.
100.1 Plans and specifications.
When required by the City Building Inspector, referred to herein as the Chief Enforcement Official, two or more complete sets of plans and specifications shall accompany each application. Plans shall be drawn to scale with sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed. Such plans and specifications together shall contain information sufficient to indicate that the work proposed will conform to the provisions of this Code and all other applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. The Chief Enforcement Official may require additional details of the structure or equipment and such stress computations and other data as the Chief Enforcement Official may deem necessary for an intelligent understanding of the proposed work and installation. Such information shall be specific and this Building Code shall not be cited as a whole or in part, nor shall the term “legal” or its equivalent be used as a substitute for specific information. With each set of plans and specifications, the applicant shall furnish the address of the work, and the name and address of the owner and the name and address of the person who prepared the plans. When required by the Chief Enforcement Official, there shall be submitted a plot plan in a form and size designated by the Chief Enforcement Official for filing permanently with the permit record, drawn to scale, with all dimensions showing accurately the size and exact location of all proposed new construction and the relation to other existing or proposed buildings or structures on the same lot and other buildings or structures on adjoining property within fifteen feet of the property lines. Plans for new buildings or plans describing structural changes or work affecting the public health or safety shall be prepared and bear the seal of a registered architect or professional engineer. The Chief Enforcement Official shall have the obligation to examine each application for a permit, the plans and specifications and other material contained therein, and to approve or disapprove such application within a reasonable period of time.
101.0 Compliance with Plans.
No building, equipment or its appurtenances to which this Building Code is applicable shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, relocated, demolished, repaired or otherwise renovated except in conformity with plans approved by the Chief Enforcement Official, and in conformance with the provisions of this Building Code.
102.0 Permits.
No person, firm or corporation shall erect construct, enlarge, alter, repair or relocate or demolish a building or other structure or install any equipment or other appurtenances, the installation of which is regulated by this Building Code, or cause the same to be done without first making application to the Chief Enforcement Official and obtaining a permit therefor, unless this Building Code specifically provides that such work may be done without a permit. Permits shall be issued by the Chief Enforcement Official when a permit application has been approved and when the required fees have been paid.
Any permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months after its issuance or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time the work is commenced provided, that for good cause, one or more extensions of time for periods not exceeding 90 days each may be allowed in writing by the Chief Enforcement Official. No building permit shall be issued unless applied for by the owner of the premises for which such permit is to be issued or his or her agent duly authorized in writing by the owner of the premises. The Building Department shall not issue any building permit until the contractor and subcontractor have registered their name with the Income Tax Administrator. The Chief Enforcement Official shall note upon the permit that the Income Tax Administrator has been advised as to the name and address of the contractor and subcontractor for whom the building permit is being issued and other information required pursuant to § 191.0706 including the Federal Employer’s identification numbers in accordance with Chapter 191 of the codified ordinances of the city.
103.0 Responsibility for compliance.
The owner, as defined in this Building Code, shall be responsible for compliance with all of the provisions of this Building Code, except where the responsibility therefor is specifically placed elsewhere.
104.0 Notice of violation.
(A) Whenever the Chief Enforcement Official or other city department heads or their representatives shall find any building or premises, or any part thereof, to be in violation of the provisions of this Building Code, the Chief Enforcement Official shall give or cause to be given or mailed to the owner of such building or premises a written notice stating the violations therein. The notice shall order the owner, within a stated reasonable time, to repair, improve or correct the listed violations or demolish the building or premises as ordered. Such delivery or mailing shall be deemed legal service of notice.
(B) If the person to whom a notice of violation is addressed cannot be found within the county after reasonable and diligent search, then notice may be sent by registered mail to the last known address of such person, and a copy of such notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the building or premises to which it relates. Such mailing and posting shall be deemed legal service of notice.
(C) Notwithstanding the requirement of notice provided herein, when in the opinion of the Chief Enforcement Official the condition of a building or premises, or part thereof constitutes an immediate hazard to human life or health or when a prior violation notice has been sent to the owner for the same or a similar violation, then no such notice of violation has been sent to the owner for the same or a similar violation, then no such notice of violation need be given to the owner of such building.
105.0 Noncompliance with notice.
(A) Whenever the owner or occupant of a building or premises fails, neglects or refuses to comply with any notice of the Chief Enforcement Official, the Chief Enforcement Official may issue a notice to such owner or occupant ordering the building or premises, or part thereof to be vacated, or he or she may inform the Director of Law of the circumstances and request the Director of Law to institute an appropriate action at law to compel compliance or both. Such notice shall be delivered, mailed or posted in the same manner as provided in § 104.0.
(B) Whenever the owner or occupant of a building or premises fails, neglects or refuses to comply with a notice to vacate issued by the Chief Enforcement Official, the Chief Enforcement Official may request the Mayor to enforce the orders of such notice of vacation and cause the building or premises, or part thereof, to be vacated in accordance with the terms of such notice.
(C) Whenever the owner of a building fails, neglects or refuses to comply with a notice to demolish such building, or part thereof, or a secondary or appurtenant structure, issued in accordance with the provisions of this Building Code, and when such building is determined by the Chief Enforcement Official to constitute a public nuisance in that it is injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the Chief Enforcement Official may request the Director of Law to prepare legislation stating such determination and authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the demolition of such building, or part thereof, or to take such other action as may be necessary to abate the nuisance. The Chief Enforcement Official shall further give notice informing the owner of such determination and action. Such notice shall be given in the same manner as provided in § 104.0.
106.0 Cases of emergency.
Whenever, in the opinion of the Chief Enforcement Official, the condition of a building or premises, or part thereof, constitutes an immediate hazard to human life or health, he or she shall declare a case of emergency and shall order immediate vacation of the building or premises, or part thereof.
107.0 Placards.
Whenever the Chief Enforcement Official orders a building or premises, or part thereof, to be vacated, he or she shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such building or premises, or part thereof, a placard ordering such vacation. No person shall deface or remove such placard until the repairs or demolition is completed without written permission of the Chief Enforcement Official. No person shall enter or use any building or premises so placarded except for the purpose of making the required repairs or demolishing the building or premises.
108.0 Expenses and costs.
Any expenses or costs incurred under the provisions for demolition contained in this Building Code shall be paid by the owner of the building or premises.
If such expenses and costs of demolition are not paid by the owner of the building or premises within 30 days after written notice from the city to do so, such expenses and costs may be recovered by an action at law or may be assessed against the lands of the owner and shall become a lien thereon, and shall be collected in the manner provided by law for assessments.