1731.09 SECURING AND STABILIZING A VACANT AND/OR ABANDONED BUILDING.

   (a)   Upon the Enforcement Committee finding a building is vacant or abandoned, the Enforcement Committee may order, in addition to other requirements as set out in the City's ordinances, the following: The owner shall disconnect all utilities at the street, except in structures where a sump pump is required to keep the structure dry, as determined by the city inspector. Owner shall have the water turned off at the street and drain the system to its lowest point. Owner shall leave faucets open and put anti-freeze in all traps containing water. Owner shall have the utility company disconnect electricity at the street and remove and cap meters, except in those buildings where a sump pump is required to keep the structure dry, as determined by the city inspector. Owner shall shut off LNG supply at the street, disconnect and remove LPG and heating oil tanks.

   (b)   The owner shall remove all flammables and combustibles from inside and outside the building or structure. Owner shall remove all upholstered furniture, combustible materials and trash from the building or structure, including the basement and attic. Owner shall remove all trash and trash containers and combustible furniture from the exterior stairwells, porches, fire escapes and outbuildings. Owner shall remove shrubbery and vegetation that could support or spread fire.

   (c)   The owner shall check the entire building(s) to ensure that it is unoccupied and secured. Owners may secure the building(s) by replacing broken and/or damaged windows and/or doors. In the event, the owner does not choose to replace said windows and/or doors, he shall secure the building by covering said windows and/or doors with cut plywood or Clear Board, Lexan, or other comparable clear polycarbonate (PC) of at least 3/16" in thickness fit over the openings, flush with the molding, except for buildings located from First Street to Fourteenth Street. Buildings located from First Street to Fourteenth Street must use the

Clear Board, Lexan, or comparable clear polycarbonate (PC) of at least 3/16" in thickness.

(Ord. 3-12-18)