As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings
indicated:
BLIGHTED
When a building or portion of a building (and the lot on
which it exists) poses a serious or immediate danger to the health,
safety, or general welfare of the public, is not being maintained,
is dilapidated, or is an obvious nuisance as deemed by the Planning,
Zoning, and Housing Department. Examples include missing or boarded
windows or doors; collapsing or missing walls, roofs, or floors; seriously
damaged or missing siding; structurally faulty foundations; garbage,
trash, or partially dismantled, nonoperating, wrecked, junk, discarded
or unregistered vehicles on premises; overgrown, diseased, dead, or
decayed trees, weeds, or vegetation; an unmaintained swimming pool,
pond, or other body of water; graffiti; fire damage; vermin or other
animal nuisances.
BUILDING
A combination of materials having a roof and enclosed within
exterior walls or firewalls, built to form a structure for the shelter
of persons or property.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PLAN
A plan that identifies the owner's plans for the building;
its current status; and the measures in place to ensure that the building
is secured and how it will be maintained in compliance with applicable
City Code. A plan must include a general schedule of renovations and
completion dates.
VACANT
When a building is habitually without the presence of people
who have a legal right to be on the premises; substantially without
lawful business, construction activity, or residential occupancy;
or substantially devoid of contents.
The Planning, Zoning, and Housing Department must notify the
owner of a building that is deemed vacant or blighted and provide
the reason for the determination.
The owner or agent must notify the Planning, Zoning, and Housing
Department within 30 days of a change to the information contained
in the registration statement.
Properties not registered within 30 days of notice from the
City will be subject to a municipal infraction with a fine of $100
for every 30 days of noncompliance. Owners who fail to comply with
an approved property maintenance plan will be subject to a municipal
infraction with a fine of $500 for every 30 days of noncompliance.
All unpaid fines will become a lien on the property and collected
in the same manner as real estate taxes.
The owner has 30 days from the date of the notice to appeal
the determination or to provide evidence, in writing to the Planning,
Zoning, and Housing Department showing proof that the property is
not vacant or blighted or is in compliance with an approved property
maintenance plan. Upon receipt, the Planning, Zoning, and Housing
Department will schedule a hearing of the Housing Board of Review
within a reasonable time after an appeal is received to review the
City's determination. The hearing will be conducted in accordance
with the Housing Board of Review's procedures as established
under this Code.