(a) The purpose of this chapter is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. This chapter is intended to prevent blight, protect property values and neighborhood integrity, to avoid the creation and maintenance of nuisances and to ensure the safe and sanitary maintenance of dwellings and commercial and industrial buildings.
(b) Due to economic conditions, mortgage foreclosures, and increased bankruptcies, many homes and buildings have become vacant and unsupervised. This has caused properties to become attractive nuisances and to invite unwanted activity. There is an increased instance of unsecured or open doors and windows, broken water pipes, flooded basements, theft of metals and other materials, overgrowth of grass, weeds, shrubs, and bushes, illegal dumping, and vermin activity at vacant structures. Vacant properties have a negative impact on surrounding properties and neighborhoods. The City also needs to be able to contact owners for utility shutoff, fire safety and police reasons.
(Ord. 2013-02. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)