(A) The Building Inspector shall determine that a dwelling or dwelling unit is unsafe and represents a threat to life and property if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) No operating heating facilities between November 1 and March 31 of any year.
(2) Failing or failed primary structural members that threaten the stability of the dwelling or dwelling unit and/or visible structural defects that appear to render the structural members ineffective or in danger of possible collapse.
(3) Overloaded electrical circuits or unsafe or exposed electrical wiring creating an imminent hazard.
(4) Presence of raw sewage or open sewer, inside the dwelling or dwelling unit, whether from broken, plugged or inoperative fixtures or pipes inside the dwelling unit or migrating into the dwelling or dwelling unit from the outside.
(5) Presence of uncontained flammable or combustible liquids or gases, poisonous solids, liquids or gases, or life or health threatening depletion of oxygen.
(6) The primary means of exit or escape in the event of fire or other emergency is blocked or structurally unsafe.
(B) The Building Inspector will give priority enforcement to any dwelling or dwelling unit that falls within the provisions of this section. Upon discovering a violation of this section and in order to protect the life and safety of the occupants of a building, the Building Inspector shall request in writing that the owner resolve all emergency and unsafe conditions listed within 48 hours. In the event that the owner fails to make the requested corrections, the Building Inspector may order the dwelling or dwelling unit vacated. The officer may pursue any other civil or criminal action as he or she deems reasonably necessary in order to effectuate the purpose of this section.
(C) In emergency and unsafe conditions, the officer shall have the power after 48 hours to cause to be posted on the main entrance of such dwelling or dwelling unit a placard with the following words: "This building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful." Occupation of a building so posted shall constitute a misdemeanor. A violation of this section is punishable as a misdemeanor.
(Ord. passed 10-10-11; Am. Ord. passed 4-11-22) Penalty, see §
98.99