Unsafe buildings, whether vacant or occupied, pose a threat
to life and property in the Town. Buildings and structures may become
unsafe by reason of damage by fire, the elements, age or general deterioration.
Buildings not properly secured at doorways and windows also serve
as an attractive nuisance for young children, who may suffer injury
therein, as well as points of congregation by persons not having a
legal or lawful claim of occupancy. A dilapidated building may also
serve as a place of rodent infestation, thereby creating a health
menace to the community. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide
for the safety, health, protection and general welfare of the persons
and property in the Town by requiring such unsafe buildings to be
repaired or demolished and removed.
When a Code Enforcement Officer has reason to believe that a
building is or may become dangerous or unsafe to the general public;
is open at the doorways and/or windows, making it accessible to and
an object of attraction to minors under eighteen (18) years of age,
as well as to persons not having a legal or lawful claim of occupancy;
is or may become a place of rodent infestation; presents any other
danger to the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public;
or is unfit for the purposes for which it may lawfully be used, the
Code Enforcement Office shall cause or make an inspection thereof
and report, in writing, to the Town Board findings and recommendations
in regard to its repair or demolition and removal.
In the event of the refusal or neglect of the owner to comply
with said Town Board order, the Town Board shall provide for the repair
or demolition and removal of such building or structure either by
Town employees or by contract.