Any structure in a residential area, an area that abuts a residential area, or any area that affects a residential area, that is vacated for a period of 90 days, shall be subject to the following:
(A) If the structure is out of repair, the Code Enforcement Commissioner or Building Commissioner shall give notice to the owners that they have 30 days to either demolish the structure or repair the structure by bringing it up to current code. Notice shall be given by:
(1) Certified mail, return receipt requested;
(2) Hand-delivering a letter personally to the owners;
(3) Leaving a letter at the dwelling, usual place of abode, or place of work of any one of the owners; or
(4) If, after diligent effort, service of notice is not possible by a means described in divisions (A)(1), (2) or (3) above, service may be made by publishing a notice in the local daily newspaper on 2 consecutive days.
(B) (1) If the property owners fail to comply with the Code Enforcement Commissioner’s or Building Commissioner's notice to repair to code or demolish within the required 30 days (without a documented agreement for extension), then the city, through its Code or Building Department, shall have the authority to contract for the repair or demolition of the structure.
(2) The owners shall be responsible for the costs of repairs or demolition contract. The city, through the Code Enforcement or Building Commissioner, the demolition contractor or repair contractor and the city’s Law Department shall take legal action, including a lien on the property for the full cost of work performed on the property.
(3) Any vacant property which is ultimately repaired, restored or rehabbed with the intention of occupancy, must be fully inspected by the Inspection Department prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. All fire, health and safety violations discovered must be brought up to code prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. An initial rehab inspection fee of $150 shall be paid prior to inspection with subsequent re-inspection fees of $25, due, if necessary, until the property is suitable for inhabitation.
(C) As used herein, the term OWNERS shall include the plural and the singular and anyone who has in the property involved:
(1) A fee simple interest;
(2) A life estate interest;
(3) A future or reversionary interest;
(4) Any present possessory interest; or
(5) The equitable interest of a contract purchaser.
(D) Three copies of these regulations shall be on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk.
(Prior Code, § 150.46) (Ord. 6066, passed 7-27-1987; Am. Ord. 8435, passed 7-22-2002; Am. Ord. 8777, passed 9-11-2006; Am. Ord. 8905, passed 2-12-2008) Penalty, see § 150.999