[Ord. No. 883 §1, 8-27-2003]
It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide for effective monitoring
and routine inspection of vacant buildings and structures that, due
to housing code violations, may endanger the life, limb, health, property,
safety or welfare of the general public, and this Chapter shall apply
to all residential structures that have been vacant for more than
six (6) months and that are subject to housing code violations.
[Ord. No. 883 §2, 8-27-2003]
The following words and phrases, when used in this Chapter,
shall mean:
HOUSING CODE
A local building, fire, health, property maintenance, nuisance
or other ordinance which contains standards regulating the condition
or maintenance of residential buildings.
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE
A structure devoted primarily to residential use, whether
classified as residential or commercial, and regardless of the number
of dwelling units contained within such structure.
[Ord. No. 883 §3, 8-27-2003]
Every parcel of residential property improved by a residential
structure, or commercial property improved by a structure containing
multiple dwelling units, that is vacant and has been vacant for at
least six (6) months and is characterized by violations of the housing
code shall be registered as a vacant residential structure.
[Ord. No. 883 §4, 8-27-2003]
A. Registration. The Building Commissioner for the City of
Winchester, Missouri, or his designee shall investigate any property
that may be subject to registration. Based upon his findings, the
Building Commissioner may register property as a vacant residential
structure subject to this Chapter.
B. Notice Of Registration. Within five (5) business days of
such registration, the City Clerk shall notify the owners of the registered
property by mail at their last known address according to the records
of the City of Winchester and St. Louis County. Such notice shall
state:
1. A description of the property registered;
2. A description of the housing code violations found on the property.
C. Time To Cure — Reconsideration. Within thirty (30)
days of the date of notification, the property owner may complete
any improvements to the property that may be necessary to remove the
property from registration under this Chapter and may request a reinspection
of the property.
D. Appeal Of Registration And/Or Reconsideration To Municipal Court. Within thirty (30) days of the date of such notification or within
thirty (30) days of the date of reconsideration by the Building Commissioner,
the property owner may appeal the decision to the office of the Municipal
Court for the City of Winchester.