(a) An application for a Vacant Building Maintenance License shall be made on a form provided by the Building Commissioner/Inspector and signed by the owner. The application shall disclose all measures to be taken to ensure that the building will be kept weathertight and secure from trespassers, safe for entry by police officers and firefighters in times of emergency, and, together with its premises, free from nuisance and in good order.
(b) At the time of application, the owner shall arrange for a preliminary inspection of the premises by the Building Commissioner/Inspector in the presence of the owner or an agent of the owner having responsibility for maintenance of the premises. The Building Commissioner/Inspector shall ensure that:
(1) The building is adequately protected from intrusion by trespassers and from deterioration by the weather in accordance with the vacated building maintenance standards set forth in § 1470.09; and
(2) Allowing the building to remain will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare, will not unreasonably interfere with the reasonable and lawful use and enjoyment of other premises within the neighborhood, and will not pose any extraordinary hazard to police officers or fire fighters entering the premises in times of emergency.
If the inspection reveals that the building is in compliance with the vacated building maintenance standards set forth in § 1470.09 and is adequately protected from intrusion by trespassers and from deterioration by the weather, the Building Commissioner/Inspector shall issue a Vacant Building Maintenance License.
(c) If the property is not in compliance and upon request by the owner, the Building Commissioner/Inspector shall, after completing the preliminary inspection, issue a report in writing to the owner specifying the reasons why the premises does not conform with the vacated building maintenance standards set forth in § 1470.09 The Building Commissioner shall then provide time for the owner to bring the property into compliance with § 1470.09. Such time shall not exceed 30 days. Upon conclusion of the time for compliance, the Commissioner shall conduct a final inspection to determine if the premises conforms with the vacated building maintenance standards set forth in § 1470.09.
(d) If the owner fails or refuses to consent to and arrange for an inspection, the Building Commissioner/Inspector shall apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an administrative search warrant.
(Ord. 23-2014, passed 4-29-2014)