(a) Permit to Secure.
(1) If the Owner or the City determines that a vacant structure has become unsecure, within ten (10) days of such determination, the Owner shall apply for, allow necessary inspections by the City and obtain a permit to secure the vacant structure ("Permit to Secure"). The Permit to Secure application shall contain sufficient information for the Department to confirm that the securing is in compliance with this Section. The Permit to Secure expires after six (6) months.
(2) The issuance of a Pennit to Secure shall also be subject to all of the following conditions:
A. The Owner shall submit a detailed plan for correction, repair or rehabilitation of violations of state or local building and housing standards and for the securing of the doors, windows and other openings by the conventional method used in the original construction and design of the building or structure;
B. The Owner shall submit a timberline for applying for appropriate permits for such work and for completing such work prior to the expiration of the Permit to Secure;
C. The Permit to Secure may be revoked by written notice of the Inspector if the Owner fails to comply with the plan for such work or fails to comport to the timberline submitted; and
D. A letter of written consent by the Owner granting permission for City Officials to enter and inspect the property and all structures upon it during the period of time in which the Permit to Secure is in effect.
(3) Corrective action to bring the vacant structure into full compliance with the plan for correction shall begin within 30 days after issuance of the Permit to Secure and shall be completed prior to the expiration of the Permit to Secure. Failure to have timely begun and/or completed the corrective action shall constitute a violation of this Article.
(4) The City will not consider a new application for a Permit to Secure for the same property.
(b) Non-conforming Structures. If the City determines that an Owner of a vacant structure has, prior to the passage of this Article, secured the structure in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Section, the City shall notify the owner of same and give the Owner 60 days from issuance of the notice to properly secure the structure and obtain the required permit.
(c) Exceptions to Permit Requirements. Neither registration nor a Permit to Secure are required for temporary emergency situations, not to exceed 60 days in length, including but not limited to damage caused by vandalism, theft or weather; or
(d) Standards for Securing.
(1) Unless an alternative plan is accepted by the Department, the securing of the doors, windows or other openings of any building or structure, other than by the conventional method used in the original construction and design, shall comply with the following minimum standards:
A. Windows and similar openings. Windows and similar openings shall be secured with opaque material ("material") of a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch nominal or its equivalent. Vent holes may be required, as deemed necessary by the City. The material shall be secured in place in a manner approved by the Department.
B. Exterior doors. Exterior doors shall be boarded with opaque material ("material") of a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch nominal or its equivalent, fitted to the entry doorjamb with maximum 1/8 inch clearance for each edge. The existing door should be removed and stored inside the building. The material shall be attached in a manner approved by the Department.
(2) In addition to the requirements set forth above, the Owner shall also comply with the following requirements:
A. The interior of the structure shall be cleaned of all trash, junk, garbage, refuse, debris and solid waste and personal possessions shall be removed from the interior of the structure so as to eliminate any fire or health hazard and prevent hindrance to firefighting equipment or personnel in the event of a fire. Disposal of trash, junk, garbage, refuse, debris and solid waste must be in compliance with any and all provisions of this Code.
B. All garbage, refuse, trash and debris shall be removed from the exterior of the property.
C. All weeds or grass in excess of 8 inches shall be removed from the exterior of the property.
(3) Application for a Permit to Secure shall be accompanied by the required fee, set forth in the fee schedule approved by the Mayor and Council.
(Ord. 14-2012. Passed 5-22-12.)