(A) Whenever a dwelling unit is vacant for a continuous period of 30 days or longer or the dwelling unit becomes inhabitable because of fire or other causes beyond the control of the owner, an abatement of the garbage and refuse collection charges for the dwelling unit may be issued upon inspection of the dwelling unit by the city’s Building Inspector or his or her assistant.
(B) Before any abatement is granted, a $5 inspection must be paid to the City Comptroller before any inspection and a request must be made in writing and contain the reasons for abatement; the name, address and phone number of the applicant; agreement to allow during any granted abatement period inspection of the dwelling unit by the city upon 24-hour notice or other time mutually agreed to, but not exceeding 72 hours from the time of the notice, to confirm that the dwelling unit is still vacant or inhabitable; and provide copies of the monthly utility bills, if any, during the abatement period to the City Building Inspector within ten days of the date of the bills; agreement to keep the dwelling unit vacant during the abatement period; and agreement that any violation of any one or more of the provisions for abatement will make the abatement null and void and all charges, fees, penalties and interests for garbage and refuse collection and non-payment of same shall immediately be assessed and become due and payable for the dwelling unit.
(C) (1) Upon the granting of any abatement request, the Building Inspector shall immediately notify the Superintendent of Streets who shall cause the city garbage/refuse container for the dwelling unit to be picked up until the abatement is terminated.
(2) No garbage or refuse collection services will be given the dwelling unit during the abatement period without an additional fee as provided by other ordinances of the city.
(D) Any abatement request that is allowed will only be effective where the dwelling unit has been vacant or inhabitable for an entire calendar month and, where a portion of the calendar month is not covered by the abatement, the garbage and refuse collection fee for that calendar month shall be paid in full.
(E) Any abatement request that is allowed shall terminate upon the violation, directly or indirectly, by the owner of any of the terms and provisions heretofore stated for granting the abatement, the issuance of an occupancy permit allowing occupancy of the dwelling unit to any degree, or the passage of 12 months from the effective date of the abatement, whichever occurs first.
(Ord. 1253, passed 1-17-1995; Am. Ord. 1291, passed 1-30-1996; Am. Ord. 1343, passed 12-5-1996)