(A) Evaluation. The Building Inspector may evaluate buildings in the city as to whether a building meets the definition of a vacant building and based on vacancy factors, make a declaration of a vacant building. The declaration shall be in writing and shall state the factual basis. Additionally, in the event any public nuisance as defined herein exists in connection with the building or premises, then the Building Inspector may additionally specify in the notice the existence of such nuisance(s).
(B) Notice. Within 7 days of making a declaration, the Building Inspector shall send notice of the declaration with the factual findings to the owner. The notice of declaration shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal substitute service, and posted on a conspicuous location on the building. Proof of mailing shall be prima facie evidence of receipt of the notice. The notice shall contain a statement of the obligations of the owner of a building determined to be a vacant building, a copy of the vacant building registration application, and a notice of the owner’s right to appeal the Building Inspector’s decision.
(C) An owner of a building determined by the Building Inspector to be a vacant building as provided for in this section may appeal the declaration to the Building Code Committee of the City Council of the City of LaSalle (hereinafter “Building Code Committee”). Such appeal shall be in writing and shall be filed with the City Clerk within 21 days of the date of mailing of the notice of declaration. The filing of an appeal stays the owners obligation to register the building. The appeal shall contain a complete statement of the reasons the owner disputes the declaration, shall set forth specific facts in support thereof, and shall include all evidence the owner relies upon to support the appeal. The City Clerk shall set the matter for hearing before the Building Code Committee and provide at least 15 days written notice to the owner of the date of said hearing.
(D) Grounds for appeal. An appeal of the declaration of vacant building shall be based solely on whether the building is deemed to be a vacant building.
(E) Decision. The Building Code Committee shall decide the appeal after a hearing. The City Clerk shall send written notice of the decision to the owner within 15 days after the hearing. Any party may appeal the decision of the Building Code Committee to the Circuit Court of LaSalle County within 35 days of the decision pursuant to appropriate provisions of proceedings governing administrative review under the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
(Ord. 2246, passed 10-4-2010; Am. Ord. 2479, passed 3-11-2014)