(A) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any nonresidential structure to fail, neglect or refuse to repair, alter or improve the same or to vacate and close or to remove or demolish the same, upon order of the Enforcement Officer duly made and served in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, within the time specified in such order, and each day that any such failure, neglect or refusal to comply with such order continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(B) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any nonresidential structure, with respect to which an order has been issued pursuant to § 151.10 to occupy or permit the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in such order for its repair, alteration, improvement or its vacation and closing, and each day that such occupancy continues after such prescribed time shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(C) If the owner fails to comply with an order to repair, alter or improve or to vacate and close the nonresidential structure, the Board of Commissioners may adopt an ordinance ordering the Enforcement Officer to proceed to effectuate the purpose of this chapter with respect to the particular structure that the Enforcement Officer found to be jeopardizing the health or safety of its occupants or others. Following adoption of an ordinance, the Enforcement Officer may cause the structure to be repaired, altered or improved or to be vacated and closed. The Enforcement Officer may cause to be posted on the main entrance of any such structure so closed a placard with the following words: “This structure is unfit for any use; the use or occupation of this structure for any purpose is prohibited and unlawful”. Any person who occupies or knowingly allows the occupancy of a structure so posted shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
(D) If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the nonresidential structure, the Board of Commissioners may adopt an ordinance ordering the Enforcement Officer to proceed to effectuate the purpose of this chapter with respect to the particular structure that the Enforcement Officer found to be jeopardizing the health or safety of its occupants or others. No ordinance shall be adopted to require demolition of the structure until the owner has first been given a reasonable opportunity to bring it into conformity with the minimum requirements established in this chapter by removing the conditions set forth in § 151.06. A reasonable time to bring the structure into conformity with the Nonresidential Structure Code shall be deemed to be 120 days from the date the Inspector notifies the owner in writing. Following adoption of an ordinance, the Enforcement Officer may cause the structure to be removed or demolished.
(Ord. passed 7-20-2010) Penalty, see § 151.99