(a) Right of Condemnation. All buildings or structures that are or hereafter shall become unsafe, unsanitary, or deficient in adequate exitway facilities, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or which by reason of illegal or improper use, occupancy or maintenance, shall be deemed unsafe buildings or structures. All unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe and secure, as the Building Official may deem necessary and as provided in this section. A vacant building, unguarded or open at door or window, shall be deemed a fire hazard and unsafe within the meaning of STBBC.
(b) Examination and Record of Damaged Structure. The Building Official shall examine every building or structure reported as dangerous, unsafe structurally or constituting a fire hazard; and he shall cause the report to be filed in a docket of unsafe structures and premises, stating the use of the structure, the nature and estimated amount of damages, if any, caused by collapse or failure.
(c) Notice. If an unsafe condition is found in a building or structure, the Building Official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in control of the building or structure a written notice describing the building or structure deemed unsafe and specifying the required repairs or improvements to be made to render the building or structure safe and secure, or requiring the unsafe building or structure or portion thereof to be demolished within a stipulated time. Action on any violation shall be in accordance with Section 1305.10.
(d) Restoration. A building or structure condemned by the Building Official may be restored to safe condition provided change of use or occupancy is not contemplated or compelled by reason of such reconstruction or restoration; except that if the damage or cost of reconstruction or restoration is in excess of fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value, exclusive of foundations, such structure shall be made to comply in all respects with the requirements for materials and methods of construction of structures hereafter erected.
(e) Placarding. In every case the Building Official shall placard the unsafe structure or premises in accordance with the requirements of Section 1305.11.
(f) Discontinuance of Service. The Building Official shall furnish a copy of all unsafe building orders to the public utilities serving that building or structure which may be affected by the condition responsible for such order, and shall request that service being furnished the building or structure by such utility be discontinued when in his opinion the continuance of such service will constitute a hazard to the public. Upon receipt of the copy of notice and the request thereon, any person, firm, association and the like supplying such service shall promptly discontinue its supply at the meter in the designated portion of the building or structure. No person, firm or association shall thereafter continue or restore such service until furnished with a copy of a certificate of approval from the Building Official certifying that an inspection has been made, that the hazardous conditions have been corrected and that the affected service installation has been brought into substantial compliance with the requirements of STBBC.
(g) Disregard of Unsafe Notice. Upon refusal or neglect of the person served with an unsafe notice to comply with the requirements of the order to abate the unsafe condition, the Building Official shall issue an adjudication order and proceed in accordance with Section 1305.10(f).
(Ord. 15-2011. Passed 3-17-11.)
(Ord. 15-2011. Passed 3-17-11.)