(a) All dwellings or structures which are structurally unsafe, unsanitary or not provided with safe egress or which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health, as determined by the Chief Building Official, are, for the purposes of this section, declared to be unsafe dwellings or structures. All such unsafe dwellings or structures shall be repaired and rehabilitated or may be demolished and removed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Exterior areas of all premises upon which any objects, materials or conditions create a health, accident or fire hazard or adversely affect the value of surrounding properties are hereby declared to be a nuisance, which shall be abated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(c) All dwellings shall be maintained in a fit and habitable condition for human occupation. The property owner or owners of any dwelling found to be uninhabitable by the Chief Building Official shall take any and all action necessary to correct the condition or conditions that resulted in an uninhabitable dwelling finding by the Chief Building Official. An “uninhabitable dwelling,” for purposes of this section, is a dwelling containing conditions that result in, or reasonably may result in, serious health and safety hazards to any person residing in the dwelling. Such conditions may include the following:
(1) Excessive garbage and refuse within the dwelling;
(2) Beds and bathtubs holding or containing items to the extent that there is no room for sleeping or bathing;
(3) Kitchens that are unusable due to cluttered stoves, sinks, and tabletops;
(4) Large amount of combustible materials blocking walking paths, radiators, heating units and fire exits;
(5) No working or useable toilets, sinks, heating and/or cooling appliances;
(6) Broken electrical systems or wiring systems;
(7) Human and/or animal waste;
(8) Insect and rodent infestation;
(9) Unkempt pet(s) in need of care;
(10) Standing water;
(11) Broken windows;
(12) Broken doors; and
(13) Insufficient waterproofing and protection of the roof and exterior walls, including windows and doors.
The Chief Building Official, when necessary, may consult with the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the County Board of Health in making a determination that a dwelling is uninhabitable.
(d) A determination by the Chief Building Official that a dwelling is uninhabitable shall be appealable pursuant to Section 1492.07 of the Codified Ordinances.
(e) No person shall reside in any dwelling found to be an uninhabitable dwelling by the Chief Building Official.
(Ord. 2013-11. Passed 5-21-13.)