(A) Generally. The Code Official shall order the owner of any premises upon which is located any structure, which in the Code Official’s judgement is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unfit for human habitation or occupancy, and such that it is unreasonable to repair the structure, to raze and remove such structure; or if such structure is capable of being made safe by repairs; to repair and make safe and sanitary or to raze and remove at the owner’s option; or where there has been a cessation of normal construction of any structure for a period of more than two years, to raze and remove such structure.
(B) Order. All notices and orders under this section shall comply with the notice requirements of § 156.29.
(C) Failure to comply. If the owner of a premises fails to comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed, the Code Official shall cause the structure to be razed and removed, either through an available public agency or by contract on arrangement with private persons, and the cost of such razing and removal shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate.
(D) Salvage materials. When any structure has been ordered razed and removed, the Code Official or other designated officer under such contract or arrangement shall have the right to sell the salvage and valuable materials at the highest price obtainable. The net proceeds of such sale after deducting the expenses of such razing and removal, shall be promptly remitted with a report of such sale or transaction, including the items of expense and the amounts deducted, for the person who is entitled thereto, subject to any order of a court. If such a surplus does not remain to be turned over, the report shall so state.
(Ord. 2002-15, passed 10-14-02)