(A) Authority of Building Inspector. Whenever an owner or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit fails, neglects or refuses to make repairs called for by a second order or notice of violation issued pursuant to § 151.238, the Building Inspector, in coordination with other city department heads or their designees, may contract or otherwise provide the repairs, when, in their judgment, a failure to make them will endanger the public health, safety or welfare, and the cost of the repairs will not exceed assessed value of the structure to be repaired.
(B) Right of entry to make repairs. Every owner or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit who has received notice of the intention of the Building Inspector to make repairs shall give entry and free access to the agent of the Building Inspector for the purpose of making the repairs. Any owner or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit who refuses, impedes, interferes with, hinders or obstructs entry by the agent pursuant to a notice of intention to make repairs shall be subject to a civil penalty of $50 for each such failure to comply with this section.
(C) Collection of costs. When repairs are made at the direction of the Building Inspector, the cost of the repairs shall constitute a debt in favor of this city against the owner of the repaired structure. If the owner fails, neglects or refuses to pay the city the amount of this debt, it shall be recoverable in a civil action against the owner or his or her successor, brought in a court of competent jurisdiction by the city, which shall possess all rights of a private creditor.
(Prior Code, § 28-341) (Am. Ord. 4036, § 1, 9-15-2020)