Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as to not be hazardous to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and so as to not constitute a public nuisance.
Subd. 1. Securing. Any vacant structure open at windows or doors, if unguarded, shall be deemed to be a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and a public nuisance within the meaning of this section and shall be made safe and secure immediately by boarding the openings. Boarding must be done with sound materials which are securely fastened to the structure and painted with a color consistent with the adjacent surfaces.
Subd. 2. Emergency Securing. The city may take steps to immediately secure a vacant building at their discretion in emergency circumstances. Any costs associated with securing the building shall be assessed to property taxes.
Subd. 3. Maintenance. The premises of a vacant structure shall be maintained in an appropriate manner including, but not limited to, mowing of yard areas; removal of weeds from parking areas, drives, medians, and landscaping; collection and removal of debris; and watering and maintaining landscaping and yard.
Subd. 4. Occupancy. Any vacant structure which has had window or door openings closed by boarding shall not be reoccupied until such openings have been secured by proper windows or doors.
Subd. 5. Termination of Utilities. The city may require that water, sewer, electricity, or gas service to the vacant building be terminated or disconnected. Prior to the termination of any utility service, written notice must be given to the owner. No utility may be restored until consent is given by the city. The Compliance Officer may authorize immediate termination of utilities at his or her discretion in emergency circumstances.
(Ord. 54, Fourth Series, passed 12-6-2016)