Within sixty (60) days after the effective date of this chapter, the building inspector shall evaluate all buildings in the City of Spring Valley he believes to be unoccupied on the effective date of this chapter and make a determination for each as to whether the building is a "vacant building" within the meaning of this chapter. The building inspector may determine that a building which meets any of the criteria set forth in this section is not to be regulated under this chapter for a stated period, if upon consideration of reliable, substantiated and sufficient evidence, he or she determines that regulation of the building under this chapter would not serve the public health, welfare, and safety and makes written findings in support of this decision. The determination shall be in writing and shall state the factual basis for the determination. For buildings the building inspector determines to be "vacant buildings", notice of the determination will be sent to the last taxpayer of record listed on the most recent Bureau County tax roll. The notice of determination shall be sent first class United States mail. Failure of delivery shall not excuse a person from complying with this chapter. The building inspector may personally serve or cause personal service of the notice of determination. Any person making such service shall execute an affidavit attesting to the facts of service. The building inspector shall maintain a record of such mailing for each notice of determination sent.
The notice shall specify a date and time on which the owner shall allow for a code compliance inspection of the interior of the vacant building to determine the extent of compliance with City of Spring Valley Property, Building Codes, Health, Fire, Water and Sewer Codes. The owner shall pay the five hundred dollar ($500.00) inspection fee to the City of Spring Valley within thirty (30) days of the inspection; provided, however, that for all vacant buildings existing upon the date of the adoption of this chapter the owner shall pay a one hundred fifty dollar ($150.00) inspection fee to the City of Spring Valley within thirty (30) days of the inspection. An unpaid fee shall be a lien upon the premises.
The notice shall contain a statement of the obligations of the owner of a building determined to be a vacant building, a copy of the registration form the owner is required to file pursuant to this chapter, and a notice of the owner's right to appeal the building inspector's determination. (Ord. 1648, 11-7-2016)