Every foundation, exterior floor, exterior wall and roof of every unoccupied or vacant dwelling shall be maintained and be kept in good repair and in such safe condition so as to make interior areas weather tight, watertight and rodent proof so as to prevent the structures from becoming harbors for rats, vermin or insects, to prevent unauthorized entry of the structures and to eliminate unsafe conditions.
The effective boarding of a building shall include, but not be limited to, doors, windows or other areas open to ingress and egress and to weather elements. Such openings shall be secured by exterior grade plywood, not less than one-half inch (1/2") thick, or other material of equal strength, cut and fit into the openings. Openings in excess of forty-eight inches (48") wide shall be framed with two inch by four inch (2" x 4") lumber and plywood, or equivalent material fastened twenty-four inches (24") on center onto frame. The plywood or equivalent material shall be fastened into the openings by screw type nails or lag screws and painted to match the exterior color scheme.
Any portion of the exterior which is deemed to be potentially hazardous due to deteriorated conditions, or to be structurally unsound shall be removed or treated in such a manner so as to eliminate the hazard. The exterior premises shall be maintained free of high weeds, debris, junk, junk vehicles and any other conditions that may provide harborage for rodents. Prior to securing the building, the owners, operators or prior occupants, shall inform the Chief Code Official, in writing, of intent to secure the building and shall specify the method and type of material to be u sed. The Chief Code Official shall review the condition of the building and exterior, and respond to the writer, setting forth special requirements, if any, necessary for compliance with minimum standards for effective boarding, and allow a reasonable time to complete the work. Upon the proper securing of the premises, and approval by the Chief Code Official, the owner, operator or prior occupant shall monitor and maintain the structure in a safe, sanitary and secured condition.
Whenever the Chief Code Official finds a vacant building open to entry at doors, windows or other points accessible to the gen era l public, the Official may cause the building to be secured at those points of entry. After verifying the building is not legally occupied, either temporarily or permanently, and after making reasonable attempts to notify the owner, tenants, and prior occupants of the building, the Chief Code Official shall be authorized to enter upon the premises only to the extent to secure the structure. In securing such structure, the Chief Code Official shall take action necessary to secure such structure. Such securing shall not be deemed to constitute "effective boarding" pursuant to Section 1331.109.2 hereof. Subsequent notice shall include the fact that the Chief Code Official has found it necessary to take appropriate action to secure the building.
(Ord. 21-15. Passed 6-15-15.)