When a structure or part thereof is found by the Code Official
to be unsafe, or when a structure or part thereof is found unfit for
human occupancy or use or is found unlawful, it shall be condemned
pursuant to the provisions of this code and shall be placarded and
vacated. It shall not be reoccupied without the approval of the Code
Official. Unsafe equipment shall be placarded and placed out of service.
A.
An unsafe structure is one in which all or part thereof is found
to be dangerous to life, health, property or the safety of the public
or its occupants because it is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally
unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that
it is likely to partially or completely collapse.
B.
A structure is unfit for human occupancy or use whenever the Code
Official finds that it is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree
in which it lacks maintenance or is in disrepair, is unsanitary, contains
filth and contamination or lacks ventilation or heating facilities
or other essential equipment required by this code or because its
location constitutes a hazard to its occupants or to the public.
C.
An unlawful structure is one found erected, altered or occupied contrary
to law.
If the structure or part thereof is vacant and unfit for human
habitation, occupancy or use and is not in danger of structural collapse,
the Code Official may post a placard of condemnation on the premises
and may order the structure closed up so it will not be an attractive
nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to board up all openings to the
premises within 30 days, the Code Official shall cause it to be boarded
up through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement
by private persons, and the cost thereof shall be charged against
the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a
lien upon such real estate.
After the condemnation notice required under the provisions
of this code has resulted in an order by virtue of failure to comply
within the time given, the Code Official shall post on the premises
or structure or parts thereof or on defective equipment a placard
bearing the words "Condemned as unfit for human occupancy or use"
and a statement of the penalties provided for any occupancy or use
or for removing the placard. Any person who shall occupy a placarded
premises or structure or part thereof or shall use placarded equipment
and any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall
let anyone occupy a placarded premises shall be liable for the penalties
provided by this code. The Code Official shall remove the condemnation
placard whenever the defect or defects upon which the condemnation
and placarding action were based have been eliminated. Any person
who defaces or removes a condemnation placard without the approval
of the Code Official shall be subject to the penalties provided by
this code.
