A. Any unreinforced masonry building that has been continuously vacant or abandoned for a period of one year or more shall be strengthened to comply with the standards identified in Section 15.12.010 prior to re-occupancy. A vacancy, as determined by the Building Official, has occurred when there is no lawful occupancy or business activity within the structure for one year. The lack of business registration records, business receipts, utility and other records for a given period may be used to determine if a vacancy has occurred.
B. Any unreinforced masonry building that has been continuously vacant or abandoned for a period of three (3) years or more shall be considered a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance in accordance with Chapter 8.30 of this Code. Once deemed to be a public nuisance the building shall be strengthened in accordance with the standards identified in Section 15.12.010, or demolished, or the hazards associated with the building shall be otherwise mitigated to the satisfaction of the Building Official.
(Ord. MC-1215, 2-22-06)