Any owner of property that has situated on it or consists of a vacant structure having, by itself or when combined with all other structures on the parcel of property, an enclosed area of over 500,000 cubic feet, that is primarily devoted to institutional, assembly, business, manufacturing, mercantile, industrial, storage, hazardous or miscellaneous use, or any structure primarily devoted to residential use if the structure contains eight or more residential units must notify the Building Official of such fact by certified mail within 30 days after the building becomes vacant as vacancy is defined in Section 1355.02(d), or within 30 days after the effective date of this section, whichever is later. The notice shall identify the property and the contemplated use, if any, of the property, and shall provide the name and address of the owner or other person who is authorized to receive notices on behalf of the owner pursuant to this section. If at any time after making an inspection of the property the Building Official determines that the building is vacant and open, the Building Official shall notify the owner that the building must be enclosed, or substantial action must be taken to demolish the building, within 30 days after the date of the notice. The notice shall also state that if the owner fails to take either such action within the 30- day period the owner will be required to post a surety bond or other financial security or insurance as provided in this section. If, at the expiration of the 30-day period, the Building Official determines that the building has not been enclosed, or that substantial action has not been undertaken to demolish the building, the Building Official shall order the owner to post with the City and continuously maintain a surety bond or other financial security or insurance, in an amount equal to the estimated demolition costs, and in a form and duration approved by the Building Official. The Building Official shall also order the owner to post and maintain such security if such action to demolish the building has not been completed within a reasonable time. The order shall be accompanied by a written statement by the Building Official setting forth the basis for his or her determination.
(Ord. 10-36. Passed 7-26-10.)