A. Definition; Removal Required. Any structure or premises that is, or hereafter becomes, unsanitary, deficient in exit facilities, a fire hazard, or an attractive nuisance, or that is otherwise dangerous to human life, safety, or the public welfare (such conditions hereinafter collectively referred to as “unsafe”) is deemed an unsafe structure or premises. Every unsafe structure must be taken down and removed, in whole or in part, or made safe and secure, as the Building Commissioner deems necessary or as provided in this Title. A vacant structure with unguarded or open doors, windows, or other openings and accessible to the general public is an attractive nuisance, a fire hazard, and unsafe within the meaning of this Section.
B. Examination Of Unsafe Structures And Premises. The Building Commissioner will examine every structure and premises reported as unsafe and will prepare a report of his or her findings.
C. Notice Of Unsafe Conditions. If an unsafe condition is found in a structure or premises, then the Building Commissioner will serve written notice on the owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in control of the structure or premises, describing the unsafe conditions found and specifying the required repairs, improvements, or actions to be taken to render the structure or premises safe or secured, or requiring the unsafe structure or portion thereof to be demolished, or such other action as is necessary to remove the hazard within a stipulated time. Such notice must require the person thus notified to declare, to the Building Commissioner, his or her acceptance or rejection of the terms of the notice.
D. Restoration Of Unsafe Structure. An unsafe structure may be restored to a safe condition. If the cost of the repairs or reconstruction necessary to put the structure into a safe condition is estimated by the Building Commissioner to exceed 50% of the fair market value of the structure in its unrestored condition, then the structure must be made to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Title, the Lake Bluff Zoning Regulations, and all other applicable codes and ordinances for the construction of a new structure, including, without limitation, the installation of fire and life safety systems required pursuant to this Title.
E. Posting Unsafe Notice. If the owner, owner’s agent, or person in control of the unsafe structure or premises cannot be found, after diligent search, then the notice of unsafe condition will be sent by registered or certified mail to the last known address of one of those persons and a copy of such notice will be posted in a conspicuous place on the structure or premises.
F. Disregard Of Unsafe Notice. After refusal or neglect of the person served with a notice of unsafe condition to comply with the requirements of the notice to abate the unsafe condition, the Village may institute the appropriate legal action to compel compliance with the order. (Ord. 2021-13, 6-28-2021)