A. The purpose of the provisions in this chapter is to:
1. Promote the public welfare by maintaining the integrity and continuity of the urban fabric and economic vitality;
2. Provide an orderly and predictable process for demolition of buildings and structures when appropriate;
3. Ensure demolition occurs safely;
4. Protect utilities and other infrastructure from damage during demolition;
5. Provide for enforcement of timely completion of demolition and for improvement of property following demolition to ensure the site is not detrimental to the use and enjoyment of surrounding property;
6. Provide for enforcement and maintenance of property to avoid purposeful demolition by neglect; and
7. Encourage preservation of the city's housing stock where appropriate.
B. A primary intent of the city council with respect to this chapter is to promote responsible re-use of existing housing stock where practical and provide an orderly process for demolition where it is not practical or cost efficient to rebuild/reuse. Accordingly, the council finds that it is in the public interest to require existing buildings to be maintained in a manner that does not constitute a public nuisance until replaced by new construction, except as otherwise permitted by this code. (Ord. 53-20, 2020)