(A) If a structure is vacant and unsecured, or unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the Code Official is authorized to post a placard of condemnation on the premises and order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in the order, the Code Official shall cause the premises to be closed through any available public agency or by contact or arrangement with private persons, and the cost thereof shall be collected in accordance with subsection (c) hereof.
(B) In the event this Code Official determines that a vacant and unsecured structure, poses an immediate danger to the safety or well being of the public or any person, then the Code Official is authorized to immediately cause said structure to be closed and secured, without prior notice to the owner or other appropriate person. The expenses therefore shall be the responsibility of the owner of the premises.
(C) In the event that the owner or other appropriate person fails to pay the expenses for the work performed pursuant to subsection (b) hereof, within thirty days after being notified in writing, by regular U.S. mail, of the amount thereof by the Code Official, such expenses may be collected using on or more of the following methods provided, however, that the expenses may only be collected once:
(1) Such expenses may be certified by Council to the County Auditor and placed upon the tax duplicate for collection as a special assessment and thereupon shall be collected as other taxes and assessments; or
(2) The Director of Law is authorized to bring suit and take other necessary legal action to collect all such expenses.
(D) No structure which has been closed under this section, or which otherwise has been closed or boarded-up by any other person, shall remain closed or boarded-up for a period longer than six months. The repair shall result in openings secured by conventional methods used in the design of the building or by methods permitted for new construction of similar type. No owner of a structure, or other person legally responsible for a structure, shall fail to repair any doors, windows or other openings which are boarded up or otherwise secured by any means other than conventional methods used in the design of the building or permitted for new construction of a similar type, or fail to cause the structure to be in compliance with this Property Maintenance Code after the expiration of said six-month period.
(E) All doors, widows and other openings shall be covered with a minimum of one- half inch thick painted structural sheeting material or solid nominal one-inch lumber, closely butted at the edges and maintained. Such coverings may be installed to fit over the exterior casing or to fit tightly inside the exterior casing coverings the sash area only. However, there shall not be any edges or cracks that will serve as handholds for tearing off of the same. All coverings shall be anchored by nails or screws and shall not be capable of being removed without tools. Any porch floor, railing, post or roof, or any other attachment to the structure, in danger of falling or causing injury by being decayed or having holes that could cause tripping or falling, shall be repaired and maintained. All loose debris and discarded boards and lumber shall be kept clear of the premises.
(Ord. 179-97. Passed 12-15-97; Ord. 196-03, Passed 10-20-03)