(A) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance or repair of any structure within the Historic District; nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to prevent the construction, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition of any structure under a permit issued by the Building Inspector prior to the passage of the chapter. Exceptions to strict construction of the provisions of this chapter may be granted only by resolution of the City Council.
(B) Deliberate or irresponsible neglect of a historic structure resulting in serious physical deterioration or health and safety hazards shall constitute demolition by neglect and shall be a violation of this chapter. Upon the finding by the Commission that a historic resource within a historic district or proposed historic district such to the Commission’s review and approval is threatened with demolition by neglect, the Commission may do either the following:
(1) Require the owner of the resource to repair all conditions contributing to demolition by neglect; or
(2) If the owner does not make repairs within a reasonable time, the Commission or its agents may enter the property and make such repairs as are necessary to prevent demolition by neglect. The cost of the work shall be charged to the owner, and may be levied by the local unit as a special assessment against the property. The Commission may enter the property for purposes of this section upon obtaining an order from the circuit court.
(2011 Code, § 15.12.080) (Ord. 193, passed - -1992) Penalty, see § 153.99