Editor's Note — Ord. no. 15-10 I §2 adopted August 1, 2008, repealed ch. 505 "dangerous buildings" and enacted new provisions set out herein. Former ch. 505 derived from Code 1974 §§225.040 — 225.120; CC 1984 §§6-122 — 6-125, 6-136 — 6-141; ord. no. 4-14A §1(225.040 — 225.120), 9-19-1983; ord. no. 4-14B §1, 12-14-1984; ord. no. 4-14C §§1 — 2, 7-17-2000; ord. no. 15-1G §1, 6-20-2005.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §1, 8-1-2008]
It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide a just, equitable and practicable method for the repairing, vacation or demolition of buildings or structures that may endanger the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the occupants of such buildings or general public, and this Chapter shall apply to all dangerous buildings, as herein defined, that now are in existence or that may hereafter exist in the City of Farmington, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
No officer, agent, or employee of the City shall render himself/herself personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his/her duties under this Chapter. Any suit brought against any officer, agent or employee of the City as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his/her duties under this Chapter shall be defended by the City Counselor until the final determination of the proceedings thereupon.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
All buildings that are detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the City of Farmington and that have any or all of the following defects shall be deemed "dangerous buildings":
1. 
Those with interior walls, exterior walls, building envelope or other vertical structural members that list, lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity fall outside the middle third of its base.
2. 
Those that, exclusive of the foundation, show thirty-three percent (33%) or more damage or deterioration of the supporting member or members or fifty percent (50%) damage or deterioration of the non-supporting enclosing or outside wall or covering.
3. 
Those that have improperly distributed loads upon the floors or roofs, or in which the same are overloaded or that have insufficient strength to be reasonably safe for the purpose used.
4. 
Those that have been damaged by fire, wind or other causes as to be dangerous to life, safety or general health and welfare of the occupants or the people of the City.
5. 
Those that are dilapidated, decayed, unsafe, unsanitary or that so utterly fail to provide the amenities essential to decent living that they are unfit for human habitation, or are likely to cause sickness or disease, so as to cause injury to the health, safety or welfare of those occupying such building.
6. 
Those having light, air and sanitation facilities that are inadequate to protect the health, safety or general welfare of human beings who live or may live therein.
7. 
Those having inadequate facilities for egress in case of fire or panic or those having insufficient stairways, elevators, fire escapes or other adequate means of evacuation.
8. 
Those that have parts thereof that are so attached that they may fall and injure members of the public or property.
9. 
Those that because of their condition, are unsafe, unsanitary or dangerous to the health, safety or general welfare of the people in this City.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
All dangerous buildings as defined by Section 505.020 are hereby declared to be public nuisances, and shall be repaired, vacated or demolished as provided in this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
The following standards shall be followed in substance by the Building Inspector and the Building Commissioner in ordering repair, vacation or demolition of any dangerous building.
1. 
If the dangerous building reasonably can be repaired so that it no longer will exist in violation of the terms of this Chapter, it shall be ordered repaired.
2. 
If the dangerous building is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the health, safety or general welfare of its occupants, it shall be ordered to be vacated and repaired.
3. 
In all cases where a building cannot be repaired so that it no longer will exist in violation of the terms of this Chapter, it shall be demolished.
4. 
In all cases where a dangerous building is a fire hazard existing or erected in violation of the terms of this Chapter or any ordinance of this City or Statute of the State of Missouri, it shall be repaired or demolished.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
All City Police Officers and all other City of Farmington employees so designated by the Mayor or City Administrator shall be Building Inspectors within the meaning of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
The Building Inspector shall have the duty under this Chapter to:
1. 
Inspect, or cause to be inspected, as often as may be necessary, all residential, institutional, assembly, commercial, industrial, garage, special, or miscellaneous occupancy buildings for the purpose of determining whether any conditions exist that render such places a dangerous building when he has reasonable grounds to believe that any such building is dangerous.
2. 
Inspect any building, wall or structure about which complaints are filed by any person to the effect of that building, wall or structure is or may be existing in violation of this Chapter, and the Building Inspector determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such building is dangerous.
3. 
Inspect any building, wall or structure reported by the Fire or Police Departments of this City as probably existing in violation of this Chapter.
4. 
Notify in writing, either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, or if service cannot be had by either of these modes of service, then service may be had by publication in a newspaper qualified to publish legal notices once each week for two (2) successive weeks, the owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee, agent and all other persons having interest in said building as shown by the land records of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Francois County of any building found by him to be a dangerous building within the standards set forth in Section 505.020.
5. 
Report in writing to the City Building Commissioner the non-compliance with any notice to vacate, repair or demolish or upon the failure to proceed continuously with the work without unnecessary delay.
6. 
Appear at all hearings conducted by the Building Commissioner and testify as to the condition of dangerous buildings.
7. 
Immediately report to the Building Commissioner concerning any building found by him to be inherently dangerous and that he determined to be a nuisance per se. The Building Commissioner may direct that such building be marked or posted with a written notice reading substantially as follows:
"This building has been found to be a dangerous building by the Building Inspector. This notice is to remain on this building until it is repaired, vacated or demolished in accordance with the notice that has been given the owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee or agent of his building, and all other persons having an interest in said building as shown by the land records of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Francois County. It is unlawful to remove this notice until such notice is complied with."
B. 
The notice required shall state that:
1. 
The owner must vacate, vacate and repair or vacate and demolish said building in accordance with the terms of the notice and this Chapter;
2. 
The occupant or lessee must vacate said building or have it repaired in accordance with the notice and remain in possession;
3. 
The mortgagee, agent or other persons having an interest in said building as shown by the land records of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Francois County, may, at his own risk, repair, vacate or demolish or have such work done, provided that any person notified under this Subsection to repair, vacate or demolish any building shall be given such reasonable time not exceeding thirty (30) days to commence the required work;
4. 
The notice provided for in this Section shall state a description of the building or structure deemed dangerous, a statement of the particulars that make the building or structure a dangerous building and an order requiring the designated work to be commenced within the time provided for in the above Subsection; provided however, that the order by the Building Commissioner and the posting of said notice shall not be constructed to deprive all persons entitled thereto by this Chapter to the notice and hearing prescribed herein.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008; Ord. No. 15-12, 10-22-2018]
The Mayor, with the advice and consent of a majority of City Council, shall appoint a resident to serve as Building Commissioner.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
The Building Commissioner shall have the power pursuant to this Chapter to:
1. 
Supervise all inspections required by this Chapter, and cause the Building Inspector to make inspections and perform all the duties required of him by this Chapter. Upon receiving a complaint or report from any source that a dangerous building exists in the City, the Building Commissioner shall cause an inspection to be made forthwith. If the Building Commissioner deems it necessary to the performance of his duties and responsibilities imposed herein, the Building Commissioner may request an inspection and report be made by any other City department or retain services of an expert whenever the Building Commissioner deems such service necessary.
2. 
Upon receipt of a report from the Building Inspector indicating failure by the owner, lessee, occupant, mortgagee, agent or other person(s) having interest in said building to commence work of reconditioning or demolition within the time specified by this Chapter or upon failure to proceed continuously with work without necessary delay, the Building Commissioner shall hold a hearing giving the affected parties full and adequate hearing on the matter.
3. 
Written notice, either by personal service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by publication once each week for two (2) successive weeks in a newspaper qualified to publish legal notices, at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of a hearing date, to the owner, occupant, mortgagee, lessee, agent and all other persons having an interest in said building as shown by the land records of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Francois County to appear before the Building Commissioner on the date specified in the notice to show cause why the building or structure reported to be a dangerous building should not be repaired, vacated or demolished in accordance with the statement of particulars set forth in the Building Inspector's notice as provided herein. Any party may be represented by legal counsel and all parties shall have an opportunity to be heard.
4. 
Make written findings of fact from the evidence offered at said hearings to whether or not the building in question is a dangerous building within the terms of Section 505.020.
5. 
If the evidence supports a finding based upon competent and substantial evidence that the building or structure is a dangerous building, the Building Commissioner shall issue an order based upon his or her findings of fact commanding the owner, occupant, mortgagee, lessee, agent or other person(s) having interest in said building as shown by the land records of St. Francois County to repair, vacate or demolish any buildings found to be a dangerous building, provided that any person so notified shall have the privilege of either repairing or vacating and repairing said building, if such repair will comply with the ordinances of this City, or the owner or any person having an interest in said building as shown by the land records of St. Francois County may vacate and demolish said dangerous building at his own risk to prevent the acquiring by the City of the lien against the land where the dangerous building stands. If the evidence does not support a finding that a building or structure is a dangerous building, no order shall be issued.
6. 
If the owner, occupant, mortgagee or lessee fails to comply with the order within thirty (30) days, the Building Commissioner shall cause such building or structure to be repaired, vacated or demolished as the facts may warrant; and the Building Commissioner shall certify the cost of the work borne by the City for such repair, vacation or demolition to the City Clerk as a special assessment represented by a special tax bill against the real property affected; said tax bill shall be a lien upon said property and shall be deemed a personal debt against the property owner(s). Except as provided in Subsection (5) of this Section, at the request of the taxpayer this special tax bill may be paid in installments over a period of not more than ten (10) years; said assessment shall bear interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per annum until paid. As to damages or loss to a building or other structure caused by or arising out of any fire, explosion or other casualty loss, if an order is issued by the Building Commissioner as provided in Subsection (5) of this Section, and a special tax bill or assessment is issued against the property, it shall be deemed a personal debt against the property owner.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
If there are proceeds of any insurance policy based upon covered claim payment made for damage or loss to building or other structure caused by or arising out of any fire, explosion or other casualty loss, the following procedure is established for the payment of insurance proceeds, as set forth in Subdivisions (1) and (2) of this Subsection. This Subsection shall apply only to a covered claim payment that is in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the face value of the policy covering a building or other structure.
1. 
The insurer shall withhold from the covered claim payment up to ten percent (10%) of the covered claim payment, and shall pay such monies to the City to deposit into an interest-bearing account.
2. 
Any named mortgagee on the insurance policy shall maintain priority over any obligation under the ordinance.
3. 
The City shall release the proceeds and any interest that has accrued on such proceeds received under Subdivision (1) of this Subsection to the insured or as the terms of the policy and endorsements thereto provide within thirty (30) days after receipt of such insurance monies, unless the City has instituted legal proceedings under the provisions of Subsection (A) of this Section. If the City has proceeded under the provisions of Subsection (A) of this Section, all monies in excess of that necessary to comply with the provision of Subsection (A) of this Section for the removal of the building or structure, less salvage value, shall be paid to the insured.
4. 
If there are no proceeds of any insurance policy as set forth in Subsection (A) of this Section, at the request of the tax payer, the tax bill may be paid in installments over a period of not more than ten (10) years. The tax bill from date of its issuance shall be a lien on the property and a personal debt against the property owner(s) until paid.
B. 
Subsection (A) of this Section shall apply to fire, explosion or other casualty loss claims arising on all buildings and structures.
C. 
Subsection (A) of this Section does not make the City a party to any insurance contract, and the insurer is not liable to any party for any amount in excess of the proceeds otherwise payable under its insurance policy.
D. 
The Building Commissioner may certify in lieu of payment of all or part of the covered claim under Subsection (A) that it has obtained satisfactory proof that the insured has removed or will remove the debris and repair, rebuild or otherwise make the premises safe and secure. In this event, the Building Commissioner shall issue a certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt of proof to permit covered claim payment to the insured without the deduction pursuant to Subsection (A) of this Section. It shall be the obligation of the insured or other person making the claim to provide the insurance company with the written certificate provided from this Subsection.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
Any owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee, agent or any other person(s) having an interest in a dangerous building as shown by the land records or the Recorder of Deeds of St. Francois County may, within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the order of the Building Commissioner, appeal such decision to the Circuit Court of the County wherein the land is located, pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 536, RSMo.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
In cases where it reasonably appears that there is immediate danger to the health, life or safety of any person unless a dangerous building, as defined herein, is immediately repaired, vacated or demolished, the Building Inspector shall report such facts to the Building Commissioner and the Building Commissioner may cause the immediate repair, vacation or demolition of such dangerous building. The cost of such emergency repair, vacation or demolition of such dangerous building shall be collected in the same manner as provided in Section 505.080.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
A. 
The owner, occupant, or lessee in possession of any dangerous building who shall fail to comply with the order to repair, vacate or demolish said building given by the Building Commissioner shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punishable as set forth in Section 505.120.
B. 
Any person removing any notices provided for in this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in accordance with Section 505.120.
[Ord. No. 15-10I §§2 — 3, 8-1-2008]
Any person violating the provisions of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Each day that a person fails to comply with an order of the Building Commissioner may be deemed a separate offense.