(a) Maintenance Provisions: All vacant structures shall also comply with the following criteria:
(1) Vacant structures shall be secured so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons. Securing of vacant structure includes, but is not limited to, closing and locking windows, doors, walk through sliding and garage gates, and any other opening that may allow access to the interior of the property and/or structures. In the case of broken windows, securing means re- glazing or boarding the windows, provided that in the Business District, plain, unsurfaced plywood may not be used.
(2) All vacant structures and premises thereof shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition. The structure is to be cleared of all contents, not including building materials or components to be used in the future renovation at that structure. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
(3) Upon notice from the Director, the owner may be required to improve the street view of the structure in such as way as to make it presentable and nonthreatening to passerby.
(4) The owner of a vacant structure shall perform or provide for the performance of periodic maintenance duties such as grass cutting or leaf removal on a timely basis. All noxious weeds are prohibited.
(5) Unstable interior and exterior surfaces and components are to be removed. Unstable or unsound accessory buildings are to be razed or renovated.
(6) All loose or deteriorated trim, gutter or overhand extensions (masonry or frame) are to be removed or reattached to prevent falling.
(7) All exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective treatments. All metal surface shall be coated to protect from rust and decay.
(8) Utilities need to be connected to the structure unless deemed unsafe by the Building Inspector or the Fire Marshal.
(9) Other such requirements as deemed necessary by the Director or designee, Building Inspector, or the Fire Marshal.
(10) The owner shall inspect the property on a regular basis to determine if the structure is in compliance with the requirements of this article and all applicable provisions of the City’s Building Code.
(b) Inspections:
(1) At the time of registration, the Building Inspector or designee shall determine whether an immediate inspection of the vacant structure is proper to identify any public safety issues that need to be addressed. Inspections shall also be available to verify the status of any property concerning occupancy, vacancy, etc.
(2) At least annually, but more frequently if necessary, a City Official shall conduct inspections of structures on the vacant property registry, and, to the extent feasible under the circumstances, determine whether the structure is being kept weather tight and secure from trespassers and compliant with the maintenance requirements listed in this Section.
(3) If an internal inspection is deemed necessary, the owner will be notified of the same and arrangements made for the same. If the owner fails or refuses to consent to and arrange for an inspection, the City will seek an order from a court of competent jurisdiction to authorize inspection of the premises for the purpose of determining the structural integrity of the building, the repairs necessary to insure its structural integrity and that it will be safe for entry by fire fighters and police officers in time of emergency, and that the building and its contents do not present a hazard to the public during the time that the building remains vacant.
(c) Corrective Action: The owners shall be notified in writing of any corrective action deemed necessary for life, safety and Building Code matters by City officials, the applicable code provisions or regulations, and will be afforded a reasonable time to the corrective action.
If correction action is taken by the owner within a reasonable time, in addition to imposition of the penalties listed in Section 1795.99, the City may, if deemed necessary for the safety of the public, act to bring the vacant building or property into compliance or otherwise eliminate the public nuisance caused by any noncompliant conditions. The costs of any repairs, demolition, and/or maintenance, along with any related legal and administrative costs incurred by the City are to be paid by the owner. Collection of these costs may be enforced in civil proceedings against the owner. (Passed 10-11-16.)