Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator,
moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers
or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is
in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to
life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the
premises or structure.
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the Code Official
finds that such structure is dangerous, unsafe, unlawful or, because
the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance,
is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination,
contains mold, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or other
essential equipment required by this Code, or because the location
of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure
or to the public. Disconnection of electrical service, gas service,
and/or water service, or failure to have connection to a properly
functioning City sanitary sewer main or private sewage disposal system,
for a period of time exceeding seven (7) calendar days, is reason
for the Code Official to declare a structure unfit for human occupancy.
When the Code Official declares a structure as unfit for human
occupancy, the Code Official shall post said structure with a notification
declaring that the structure is unfit for human occupancy and occupying
the same except to effect the necessary repairs or work is a violation
of the City Code. The structure may only be occupied during daylight
hours for the purpose of effecting the necessary repairs or work to
allow the structure to be in compliance with the City Code and be
occupied.
An unlawful structure is a structure erected, altered or occupied
contrary to law.
If the structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and
occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the Code Official
is authorized to post a placard of condemnation on the premises and
order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance.
Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time
specified in the order, the Code Official shall cause the premises
to be closed through any available public agency or by contract or
arrangement by private persons and the cost shall be charged against
the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a
special tax assessment upon such real estate and may be collected
by any other legal resource.
The use of wood, plywood or similar materials to close and secure
windows and doors of a vacant structure is permitted provided the
material used is of a similar color, or painted a similar color, as
the base color of the structure.
