Any vacant building, whether or not subject to a vacant building plan, shall be maintained in accordance with all of the following maintenance standards:
A. Boarding: If a building is boarded, the building shall be boarded in the following manner:
1. Plywood Sheathing; Exterior Grade Chipboard: All openings in the structure on the first two (2) floors, other openings easily accessible from the ground, and openings with broken glass, shall be secured either by erecting a single one-half inch (1/2") thick layer of plywood sheathing, or exterior grade chipboard, covering over all exterior openings, overlapping the opening on every edge by three inches (3"), nailed along the edges by eightpenny common nails or equal spaced every six inches (6");
2. Wood Frame Construction: Alternately, the openings may be secured by conventional wood frame construction. The frames shall use wood studs of a size not less than two inches by four inches (2" x 4") (nominal dimension) placed not more than twenty four inches (24") apart on center. The frame stud shall have the four inch (4") sides or the wide dimension perpendicular to the face of the wall. Each side of the frame shall be covered with plywood sheathing of at least one-half inch (1/2") thickness or equivalent lumber nailed over the opening by using eightpenny common nails or equal spaced every six inches (6") on the outside edges and every twelve inches (12") along intermediate stud supports;
3. Painting: All coverings shall be painted with the same color as the building or its trim and maintained in accordance with subsection D of this section.
B. Exterior Doors; Secured: Exterior doors or windows of a vacant building shall be adequately locked to preclude entry of unauthorized persons, or shall be covered as an opening described in subsection A1 or A2 of this section.
C. Landscaping; Lawn: Existing landscaping and lawn on the premises of a vacant building shall be maintained in the manner otherwise required by law.
D. Exterior Walls; Surfaces: Exterior walls and surfaces of a vacant building must be properly maintained. Any exterior surface which has previously been treated with a weather coating material such as paint or stain shall be maintained in good condition free from faded or peeling paint or other coating material. Severely weathered, peeling or unpainted wood or damaged siding or roofing must be replaced or repaired with similar materials and colors.
E. Snow Removal: Snow must be removed from public sidewalks surrounding the premises of a vacant building in the manner otherwise required by law.
F. Utility Connections: Although service may be discontinued and meters locked off during vacancy, all preexisting meters and service lines for water, sewer, electric and gas shall be maintained on the premises of a vacant building, unless eliminated or replaced as part of the approved vacant building plan.
(Ord. 2001-69, 12-4-2001)
G. Reserved.
(Ord. 2003-61, 10-21-2003)
H. Interior Maintenance: The interior of a vacant building shall be kept free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage, and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
I. Property Maintenance Violations: The exterior premises of a vacant building shall be maintained in accordance with all ordinances of the city regarding the maintenance of property, including, but not limited to, the requirements of title 12, chapters 4, 5 and 8 of this code.
J. Obscuring Of Windows: The windows and glass exterior doors of a vacant building shall not be painted or otherwise obscured in a manner which obstructs visibility into the interior of the building; provided that the building official may order that windows or glass doors are to be obscured with a solid coat of paint as part of maintenance work to be performed by the city under section 16-8B-11 of this article:
1. If the building official determines such action is necessary in order to temporarily obstruct the view of interior conditions otherwise in violation of this section, until such time as such conditions can be remedied under an approved vacant building plan; and
2. The city cannot readily access the interior of the vacant building in order to correct such conditions.
(Ord. 2001-69, 12-4-2001)