(A) The effective boarding of a building shall include, but not be limited to, doors, windows or other areas open to ingress and egress and to weather elements. Such openings shall be secured by exterior grade plywood, not less than one-half inch (½") thick, or other material of equal strength, cut and fit into the openings. Openings in excess of forty-eight inches (48") wide shall be framed with two inch by four inch (2" x 4") lumber and plywood, or equivalent material fastened twenty-four inches (24") on center onto frame. The plywood or equivalent material shall be fastened into the openings by screw type nails or lag screws and painted to match the exterior color scheme.
(B) Any portion of the exterior which is deemed to be potentially hazardous due to deteriorated conditions, or to be structurally unsound shall be removed or treated in such a manner so as to eliminate the hazard. The exterior premises shall be maintained free of high weeds, debris, junk, junk vehicles and any other conditions that may provide harborage for rodents. Prior to securing the building, the owners, operators or prior occupants, shall inform the PMO, in writing, of intent to secure the building and shall specify the method and type of material to be used. The PMO shall review the condition of the building and exterior, and respond to the writer, setting forth special requirements, if any, necessary for compliance with minimum standards for effective boarding, and allow a reasonable time to complete the work. Upon the proper securing of the premises, and approval by the PMO, the owner, operator or prior occupant shall monitor and maintain the structure in a safe, sanitary and secured condition. Failure to properly maintain the building in the above condition, shall result in the structure being deemed a public nuisance, and scheduled for demolition.
(C) Whenever the PMO finds a vacant building open to entry at doors, windows or other points accessible to the general public, he may cause the building to be secured at those points of entry. The PMO shall be authorized at any time to enter upon the premises to secure the structure in order to lessen the severity of the public nuisance. In securing such structure, the PMO may call upon any department, division or bureau of the City for whatever assistance may be necessary, or may, by private contract, secure such structure. The costs of such work shall be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or may be recovered in a civil suit against the owner. Such securing shall not be deemed to constitute "effective boarding" pursuant to subsection (B) hereof, and it does not abate the nuisance condition of a dangerous building, as declared pursuant to § 155.029, unless so declared in writing by the PMO. Subsequent notice shall include the fact that the PMO has found it necessary to take appropriate action to secure the building.
(Ord. 56-1987, passed 10-21-87; Am. Ord. 41-2005, passed 9-21-05)