It is the purpose and intent of the Richlands Town Board of Aldermen, through the adoption of this chapter, to establish a vacant commercial property maintenance standards ordinance as a mechanism to preserve the historic integrity of Richlands' Historic District and to protect the town's commercial districts from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned and vacant properties. Additionally the town desires to deter crime and theft of materials, to minimize loss of property value to vacant properties and surrounding occupied properties, to reduce the risk of damage from fire, flooding or other hazards, and to promote the comfort, happiness and emotional stability of area residents. The town finds that the presence of properties exhibiting evidence of vacancy pose special risks to the health, safety, and welfare of the community and therefore require heightened regulatory attention. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all properties in the C-l and C-2 Business districts of the town.
(Ord. 2014-05, passed 10-14-14)