5-1-4: EMERGENCY ABATEMENT:
When a nuisance, as defined by this chapter, exists and the nuisance causes or threatens imminent danger or great peril to persons or property, the nuisance may be immediately abated by the city, by using the following procedure:
   A.   The mayor shall find that the nuisance exists, and that the nuisance causes or threatens imminent danger or great peril to persons or property, and that an emergency exists.
   B.   A copy of the mayor's findings made under subsection A of this section shall be placed on file in the office of the city clerk.
   C.   The city clerk shall immediately issue a notice directed to the owner or occupant of the premises on which the nuisance exists, directing the owner or occupant to immediately abate the nuisance.
   D.   The notice issued pursuant to subsection C of this section shall be served upon the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the nuisance exists. The notice may be served by any officer or employee of the city. In the event that the owner or occupant of the premises is not to be found, the notice may be posted on the premises on which the nuisance exists.
   E.   Upon being served with a notice to abate a nuisance as provided in subsection D of this section, the owner or occupant of the premises on which the nuisance is located shall immediately abate the nuisance. The failure of the owner or occupant to immediately abate the nuisance upon service or posting of the notice shall be a violation of this code, and shall be punishable as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code.
   F.   In the event that the owner or occupant of a premises upon which a nuisance is ordered to be abated under this section does not immediately abate the nuisance, the appropriate city department shall immediately abate the nuisance. The cost of the abatement by the city shall be assessed against the property on which the nuisance existed, and shall be collected as other special assessments. (1996 Code § 19-4)