When, in the opinion of the code official, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure that endangers life, or when any structure or part of a structure is in such a condition that life is endangered by the occupation of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases, materials, hazardous conditions, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the code official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice as described in § 100-46. It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, whenever, in the opinion of the code official, there is imminent danger as described in this article, the code official may order the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings to render such structure temporarily safe, whether or not any legal procedure has been instituted; and may cause such other action to be taken as the code official deems necessary to meet such emergency.
When necessary for public safety, the code official may temporarily close structures and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks, streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe structures, and prohibit the same from being utilized.
For the purposes of this article, if the owner or owner's agent does not take immediate action as deemed necessary by the code official to remedy the hazardous condition or demolish the structure, the code official may employ the necessary labor and materials to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.
Costs incurred by the City in the performance of emergency work may be initially paid by the City. The City may institute appropriate action against the owner of the premises or owner's authorized agent for the recovery of such costs. Such costs may also be assessed as a lien against the premises as allowed by law.
Any person ordered to take emergency measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any affected person shall thereafter, upon properly filed appeal, be afforded a hearing as described in this code.