(A) Any building or structure which has or may be damaged by fire, to the extent of 50% of its value shall be torn down and removed, or rebuilt. Whenever the Chief of Police of the city shall be of the opinion that any building or structure in the city has been so damaged, he or she shall file a written statement to this effect with the City Clerk. The City Clerk shall thereupon cause written notice to be served upon the owners thereof, and upon the lienholders of record, by certified mail or by personal service.
(B) The Mayor of the city shall appoint three persons to determine whether or not the building or structure has been damaged to the extend of 50% of its value. The notice shall state that the building or structure has been declared to be damaged to the extent of 50% of its value. The notice shall state that the building or structure has been declared to be damaged to the extent of 50% of its value and that a board of three persons has been appointed to determine whether or not this finding is correct. The notice shall be in the following terms:
To (owner-occupant of premises) of the premises described as: |
You are hereby notified that the premises above-mentioned have been determined to be damaged by fire to the extent of 50% of its value after inspection by the Chief of Police and that a board of three persons has been appointed to verify this finding. |
You have the right to protest the determination by the Chief of Police that the building has been damaged by fire to the extent of 50% of its value and to present your complaint by appearing before the board of three persons at the City Hall, 109 Northeast Second Street, Fairfield, Illinois on at , at which day and time it will determine whether or not this finding is correct. |
If this finding is upheld by the board, you must tear down and remove the building, or rebuild it within 90 days after this finding is verified by the board. |
(C) Whereby upon diligent search, the identity or whereabouts of the owner or owners of any building including the lienholders of record is not ascertainable, notice mailed to the person or persons in whose name the real estate was last assessed for taxes is sufficient notice under this section.
(D) If this finding is upheld by the board of three persons and it determines that the building has been damaged by fire to the extent of 50% of its value, the owner or owners shall tear down and remove or rebuild the building within 90 days after the finding of the board, and the owner or owners shall not occupy or permit the occupancy of the building after the finding until it is so remodeled.
(1986 Code, § 5.16.050)