For the purposes of this article, the term “nuisance” is defined to mean any condition or use of premises or of building exteriors which is detrimental to the property of others or which causes or tends to cause substantial diminution in the value of other property in the neighborhood in which such premises are located. This includes, but is not limited to, the keeping or the depositing on, or the scattering over the premises of any of the following:
(1) 
Secondhand, used, or discarded furniture, other than furniture designed for outside use and for commercial trade or sale.
(2) 
Abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as automobiles and equipment parts, lawnmowers, fixtures, and appliances.
(3) 
Items of salvage such as scrap metals, rags, papers, bottles, cans and similar items.
(4) 
Any compost pile which is of such a nature as to spread or harbor disease, emit unpleasant odors or harmful gas, or attract rodents, vermin or other disease-carrying pests, animals or insects.
(5) 
Any deleterious or septic material or liquid upon any premises, unless such material is retained in containers or vessels which deny access to humans, flies, insects, rodents and animals.
(1992 Code, sec. 7.1101)
No person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge of any premises shall maintain or keep any nuisance thereon, nor shall any such person keep or maintain such premises in a manner causing substantial diminution in the value of the other property in the neighborhood in which such premises are located.
(1992 Code, sec. 7.1102)
(a) 
Upon becoming aware of nuisance conditions set forth herein, the building official or his designated representative shall make a determination whether or not the conditions and circumstances constitute a nuisance as herein defined. If it is determined that the conditions constitute a nuisance, the building official shall cause a written notice to be given to the owner, tenant or person in control of said premises, or an agent thereof, to remove or abate the nuisance. Such notice shall state the nature of the nuisance and that it must be removed or abated within ten (10) days and that failure to do so may cause a complaint to be filed in municipal court for violation of maintaining a nuisance. Such notice shall be given by delivering the written notice personally or by leaving it at his or her dwelling or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion residing therein or by mailing the written notice to his or her last know post office address. If the whereabouts of the owner of the property is unknown, the notice shall be mailed to the last known address listed on the tax roll and by publication in the official newspaper and a regional newspaper of general circulation in the area for at least two (2) times within ten (10) consecutive days. Where the notice is mailed it shall be prima facie evidence of service if an executed return receipt is received.
(b) 
Where after diligence has been exercised to serve notice to the owner, tenant, or person in control of said premises, or agents thereof, and such notice cannot be delivered and/or where such notice has been served but the nuisance has not been removed or abated within the ten-day period, the building official shall then cause a summons to be obtained and delivered to the owner, tenant, or person in control of said premises, or an authorized agent thereof, requiring such condition to be abated or to appear before the municipal court of the city at a stated time and place. The summons shall be served to the defendant by a peace officer by delivering a copy to him personally; or leaving it at his usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion residing therein; or by mailing it to the defendant’s last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested. The summons shall state the nature of the nuisance on the property and that it must be removed or abated within ten (10) days or the complaint will be heard in municipal court for violation of maintaining a nuisance as defined in this article. And furthermore, any person found guilty of maintaining such nuisance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to a fine for each offense and that the municipal court shall order the removal and abatement of the nuisance.
(1992 Code, sec. 7.1103)
If the owner, tenant, or person in control of said premises, or agent thereof fails to comply with the order to remove or abate any nuisance then in addition to any fine which may be levied against such person, the court may allow the city to remove or abate such nuisance. The city may then cause the said nuisance to be removed or abated, and the expenses of such procedure shall be charged against the owner and shall thereupon become a valid and enforceable personal obligation of the owner of such premises which may be recovered by the city in a suit brought for the purpose; and the city may assess the expenses on the property on which the nuisance is located or situated, and make the same a lien thereon.
(1992 Code, sec. 7.1104)
(a) 
Whenever the city shall have performed any work or paid any necessary expenses in connection with any work done in the removal or abatement of any nuisance, it shall be the duty of the mayor or city administrator to immediately prepare and deliver or mail to the owner of the property upon which the nuisance was located an itemized statement in the form of an affidavit, duly sworn to, of all such work performed and all costs and expenses incurred and paid by the city in connection therewith. Said statement shall be sent to the owner of said property if his true address is known; if not, then to the owner of record according to the last official tax rolls of the city at the address carried in connection therewith. Such affidavit, among other things and provisions, shall contain the following:
(1) 
Name and address of owner, and name and address of tenant or agent of property, if known, and if unknown recite the fact;
(2) 
Description of the property sufficient to identify same, and where property has been subdivided, a description by lot and block number of any particular subdivision shall be sufficient, or the description as per the map of the city;
(3) 
Statement of the action of the city;
(4) 
Itemized statement of the work done and performed, together with the cost thereof opposite each item; and
(5) 
Statement of payment made by the city to other parties, and to whom made, or reasonable charges by any concerned city department.
(b) 
Upon delivery or mailing of the statement and affidavit provided for above, the city shall be entitled to the payment of the aggregate amount so expended, or reasonable charges for city work, or costs paid, as therein set forth. Should the owner fail or refuse to pay the amount due within thirty (30) days thereafter, the affidavit containing the information as set out hereinabove, signed by the mayor, shall be filed with the county clerk. Such statement, when filed, shall constitute a lien upon the property on which the expense was incurred, second only to tax liens and liens for street improvements, and the amount remaining unpaid on said statement shall accrue interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of expenditure by the city, or from the date that the city itself performed such work and incurred said expense, as provided for in section 342.007 of the Health and Safety Code.
(1992 Code, sec. 7.1105)