ARTICLE 6: DANGEROUS AND UNFIT STRUCTURES

Section

   4-601   Purpose

   4-602   Definitions

   4-603   Enforcing officer; duties

   4-604   Procedure; petition

   4-605   Same; notice

   4-606   Same; publication

   4-607   Same; hearing, order

   4-608   Duty of owner

   4-609   Same; failure to comply

   4-610   Same; make site safe

   4-611   Assessment of costs; finance

   4-612   Immediate hazard

   4-613   Appeals from order

   4-614   Scope of article

§ 4-601 PURPOSE.

   The governing body has found that there exists within the corporate limits of the city structures which are unfit for human use or habitation because of dilapidation defects increasing the hazards of fire or accidents, structural defects or other conditions which render such structures unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise inimical to the general welfare of the city, or conditions which provide a general blight upon the neighborhood or surrounding properties. It is hereby deemed necessary by the governing body to require or cause the repair, closing or demolition or removal of such structures as provided in this article.

(Ord. 617, passed 9-20-2004)

§ 4-602 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   ENFORCING OFFICER. The public officer or his or her authorized representative.

   LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. Includes the address where the property is located, or the address as listed in the tax records.

   PARTIES IN INTEREST. Any owner or owners of record, judgment creditor, tax purchaser, occupant or other party having any legal or equitable title or interest in the property.

   STRUCTURE. Includes any building, wall, superstructure or other structure which requires location on the ground, or is attached to something having a location on the ground.

(Ord. 617, passed 9-20-2004)

§ 4-603 ENFORCING OFFICER; DUTIES.

   The enforcing officer is hereby authorized to exercise such powers as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including the following:

   (a)   Inspect any structure which appears to be unsafe, dangerous or unfit for human habitation;

   (b)   Have authority to enter upon premises at reasonable hours for the purpose of making such inspections. Entry shall be made so as to cause the least possible inconvenience to any person in possession of the structure. If entry is denied, the enforcing officer may seek an order for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction;

   (c)   Report all structures which he or she believes to be dangerous, unsafe or unfit for human habitation to the governing body; and

   (d)   Receive petitions as provided in this article.

(Ord. 617, passed 9-20-2004)