If the structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the Code Official or his or her designee is authorized to post a placard of condemnation on the premises and order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to close up the structure within the time specified in the order, the Code Official or his or her designee shall cause the structure to be closed and secured through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons and the cost thereof shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate and may be collected by any other legal resource.
(A) Authority to disconnect service utilities. The Code Official or his or her designee shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system regulated by this chapter and the referenced codes and standards set forth in § 153.004(C) of this chapter in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or when such structure is vacant or abandoned or when such utility connection has been made without approval. The Code Official or his or her designee shall notify the serving utility and, whenever possible, the owner and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnection, the owner or occupant of the building structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.
(B) Vacant and abandoned structures. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property to maintain vacant and/or abandoned structure(s) so it does not deteriorate and/or become a blighting issue or safety hazard.
(C) Demolition of vacant and abandoned structures. Structure(s) that have been vacant or abandoned for a period of more than three years and are in a state of deterioration to the point that it becomes a blighting issue or safety hazard may be removed after a hearing before the city’s Code Enforcement Board.
(Ord. 04-2017, passed 5-15-2017)