All vacant commercial, industrial or institutional buildings within the City shall be maintained in accordance with the following vacant Building Maintenance standards:
(a) Exterior openings, except those prohibited by Section 1323.07(a)(2)E. which cannot be secured by locking an existing door or window shall be boarded, secured, and protected from intrusion by birds, vermin and trespassers.
(b) Vacant commercial, industrial or institutional buildings shall be protected from deterioration and maintained in accordance with the Property Maintenance Code set forth in Chapter 1302 et seq. of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon and the Ohio Fire Code.
(c) Vacant commercial, industrial or institutional property shall be kept clean, safe, sanitary and free from public nuisance in accordance with the provisions of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon.
(d) Vacant commercial, industrial or institutional buildings that the PMEO and/or Fire Chief deems as being dangerous and unsafe for human occupancy or entry by Fire Department personnel shall display a hazardous identification placard that is readily visible from normal access points of the building pursuant to the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
(e) A key box shall be installed on each vacant commercial, industrial or institutional building in the City in case immediate access to the interior of the building by fire department personnel is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes. Each key box shall be of a type that is approved by the Fire Chief. The key box shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and shall be installed in a location approved by the Fire Chief. The cost of purchase and installation of each key box shall be paid by the owner. Each key box shall contain keys to gain access to all areas of the building including the roof and basement. The person in control of the building shall immediately notify the Fire Chief and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box. (Ord. 2019-24. Passed 5-13-19.)