(A) All buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe or are provided with inadequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing structures constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason or inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment, are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe buildings. All unsafe buildings are declared public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation or demolition.
(B) (1) The Building Inspector shall examine, or cause to be examined every building or structure or portion thereof reported as dangerous or damaged and, if found to be an unsafe building as defined in this section, he or she shall give to the owner of the building or structure written notice stating the defects thereof. This notice shall require the owner, within 30 days, to commence either the required repairs or improvements or demolition and removal of the building or structure or portions thereof. If necessary, the notice shall also require the building, structure or portion thereof to be vacated forthwith and not reoccupied until the required repairs and improvements are completed, inspected and approved by the Building Inspector.
(2) Proper service of the notice shall be by personal service upon the owner of record, if he or she shall be found within the town limits. If he or she is not found with the town limits, service may be made upon him or her by registered mail, the 30-day period within which the owner is required to comply with the order of the Building Inspector, shall begin as of the date he or she received the notice.
(C) Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding 50% of the value of an existing building or structure and complying with the requirements for new buildings or structures may be made to the building or structure within any 12-month period without making the entire building or structure comply. The new construction shall conform with the requirements of this code for a new building of like area, height and occupancy. The building or structure, including new additions, shall not exceed areas and heights specified in this Code.
(D) Buildings or structures moved into or within the town shall comply with provision of this Code.
(E) Unsafe buildings or structures shall be posted at each entrance to such building or structure with the following notice: "Do Not Enter. Unsafe to Occupy. Building Inspection Department, Town of McCordsville, Indiana." The notice shall remain posted until the required repairs are made or demolition is completed. The notice shall not be removed without written permission from the Building Inspector and no person shall enter the building except to make repairs or to demolish same.
(Ord. 070913, passed 7-9-2013)