(A) Any building whose doors and windows have been so damaged by fire that they cannot be closed and secured from unauthorized entry by normal locks immediately upon the expiration of the fire, is hereby declared to be an immediate and eminent threat to the public welfare and safety. The buildings are hereinafter referred to as “burned structures.”
(B) Upon the extinguishment of any fire, all burned structures shall be immediately sealed with such materials as shall render the property enterable only through a single locked entrance.
(C) Burned structures shall be sealed by qualified contractors or individuals as approved by the enforcement authority. Upon approval, each contractor shall be placed on a rotating list which shall be on file at the Communications Center.
(D) Upon receipt of a request from the enforcement authority or the City Fire Department, the Communications Center will contact the approved contractors, in proper order of rotation, to seal the burned structure until a contractor is located who can immediately commence work on the building.
(E) Qualified contractors must be headquartered within the city or within the townships of Baugo, Cleveland, Concord or Osolo within Elkhart County. The contractors must be approved by the Building Department and approved contractors will be called by rotation. The list of approved contractors will be kept at the Communications Center, the Fire Department and the Building Department.
(F) The contractors will supply all labor and materials necessary to seal the burned building. The materials must meet all specifications required by the enforcement authority, and shall meet the following minimum requirements: All broken windows, doors, and openings shall be covered with fitted 3/8 inch plywood, particle board or chip board, which shall be fastened to the building with 1-1/2 inch cluth head or square head screws. One entrance way of at least ½ inch thickness shall be installed with hinges and a hasp, shall be padlocked, and the key shall be delivered to the City Fire Department.
(G) The contractors shall be compensated in the manner set forth in I.C. 36-7-9 et seq. and shall have no claim against the city for reimbursement for labor or materials furnished hereunder.
(H) Construction, repair or demolition must start within 90 days of this order except in extenuating circumstances and on an appeal made to the Hearing Authority for an extension.
(1979 Code, § 153.090) (Ord. 3897, passed 12-12-1988)