(A) Adoption of state law; application. The provisions of I.C. 36-7-9-1 et seq. (the Act), concerning the enforcement of building standards, is hereby adopted in their entirety, and as they may be subsequently amended, and are made a part hereof by reference the same as if fully set out herein. As so adopted, the Act shall apply and be enforceable in the unincorporated area of the county.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter and the Act, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DEPARTMENT. The Howard County Plan Commission shall be the executive department authorized by this section to administer the provisions of the Act.
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. The enforcement authority shall be the Executive Director of the Howard County Plan Commission, the designated department.
HEARING AUTHORITY. That person or persons designated as such by the Board of County Commissioners under the authority of I.C. 36-7-9-2. The hearing authority shall perform those functions specified by the Act.
SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY INTEREST. As set out in I.C. 36-7-9-2, the term is hereby specifically incorporated by reference into this section as if fully set out herein.
UNSAFE BUILDING. The description for the term contained in I.C. 36-7-9-4 is hereby supplemented to provide minimum standards for building condition or maintenance in the county by adding the following definition: Any building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described shall be deemed to be an UNSAFE BUILDING; provided, that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that life, health, property or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered.
(1) Whenever any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such building or structure provided by the building regulations of the county, or of any law of the state or ordinance of the county relating to the conditions, location or structure of buildings.
(2) Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of six months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.
(C) Designation of executive department. Pursuant to I.C. 36-7-9-3, and consistent with the definitions contained in division (B), the County Plan Commission is hereby designated as the executive department of the county responsible for the administration of this section.
(BCC Ord. 1996-41, passed 8-19-96) Penalty, see § 10.99