(A) Structures that are or hereafter become unsafe for human occupancy, the procedure for the determination and placarding of the unfit structure shall be carried out in compliance with the requirements of this section.
(B) A structure is unfit for human occupancy when the health, safety and welfare of occupants or adjacent occupants or properties is at risk of health or harm such as the structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the building is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the building or to the public, hereof, may be declared to be unfit for human occupancy and may be so designated and a placard for condemnation shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises by the City Manager or his/her designee.
(C) Any structure determined as unfit for human occupancy, and so designated and placarded shall be vacated within a reasonable period, not to exceed five business days as ordered by the City Manager or his/her designee.
(D) No structure which has been determined and placarded as unfit for human occupancy shall again be used for human occupancy until written approval is secured from and the placard is removed by the Department who shall remove the placard only when the defect or defects upon which the determination and placarding action were based have been eliminated, and after the structure has been inspected and been found to comply in all respects with the requirements of this subchapter.
(E) No person shall deface or remove the placard from any structure which has been determined and placarded as such, except as provided in division (D) above.
(F) The owner, agent, occupant or other entity owning or in possession, charge or control of any structure deemed unfit for human occupancy shall abate or cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe conditions either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other correction action approved by the Department.
(G) An owner may file a written appeal of this designation with the City Clerk’s office. This appeal shall be filed within five business days of placarding of the building. Appeals shall be heard by the city’s administrative hearing officer at the next regularly scheduled administrative court date.
(H) No person shall gain entry once the posted period to vacate has expired without written consent of the Community Development Department.
(Ord. 22-3670, passed 5-4-2022) Penalty, see § 94.99