The Code Enforcement Officer of the Village of Potsdam shall be the enforcement officer of this chapter and shall make inspections of all unsafe buildings and structures within the Village of Potsdam. The Code Enforcement Officer shall report to the Village Board all unsafe buildings and structures which from time to time may be found within the limits of the village. The Village Board may also direct the Code Enforcement Officer to report on buildings which the Board believes may be unsafe. When it shall be reported to the Village Board that a building or structure is in an unsafe or dangerous condition, the Village Board shall direct the Code Enforcement Officer to inspect the same and to report the condition to the Village Board within five days by delivering a copy of same to the Village Administrator.
The Village Board shall thereafter consider the report of the Code Enforcement Officer and, if the report so warrants, determine by resolution that said building or structure is unsafe and dangerous and order its removal or its repair, if the same can be safely repaired.
A. 
After adopting an inspection report by the Code Enforcement Officer that the building or structure is unsafe or dangerous to the public, the Village Board shall direct the Code Enforcement Officer to serve a notice upon the owner and all other persons having an interest in such property or structure, either personally or by registered mail, addressed to their last known addresses as shown by the assessment records, containing a description of the premises, a statement of the particulars in which the building or structure is unsafe or dangerous and an order of the Code Enforcement Officer requiring same to be repaired, secured or removed and to post such notice on the premises.
B. 
In the event that no owner can be found, the village may apply to a court of general jurisdiction for an appropriate order of publication. Notice will be complete 10 days after the last date of publication.
C. 
Each owner so served shall commence the repair, securing or removal of such building or structures within 30 days after service of such notice, as hereinafter provided, and shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer of such action and shall complete same within 60 days thereafter, unless the Code Enforcement Officer allows a longer period of time for completion.
D. 
At the request of the building owner, a hearing shall be held before the Code Enforcement Officer at a time and place to be specified but within 10 days of service of the notice to repair, secure or demolish. The purpose of the hearing is for the building owner to show cause why the building is not a threat to the health, welfare and property of village residents and property owners and why a notice to repair, secure or demolish is not required or appropriate.
E. 
At the hearing, the owner, the village and any other interested parties may present witnesses and any other proof relating to the matters and all parties may appear in person or with their attorneys. A walk-through inspection of the building may be included at the request of the village or of the owner.
F. 
At the conclusion of the hearing, or within two working days thereafter, the Code Enforcement Officer shall make a determination, in writing, on the status of the notice, and a copy of same shall be served either personally or by registered mail on all parties who appeared therein.
G. 
The determination shall state whether the original inspection report is sustained, modified or reversed. If reversed, no further proceeding shall be had.
H. 
If the original inspection is sustained, in whole or in part, the Code Enforcement Officer shall notify the owner in writing and the date for repairs, securing or removal to commence shall remain in effect.
A. 
If the owner neglects or refuses to comply with the notice from the Village Board, with the prescribed period for commencement as set forth in § 72-7C, the Board shall, by resolution, appoint an engineer, architect or practical builder to undertake a survey of the building or structure. The engineer, architect or practical builder will report in writing to the Village Board on the condition of the building or structure. The owner of the building will be served notice of the time of the survey inspection at least 10 days prior to the survey inspection and may be present in person or by representative.
B. 
The survey shall take into account not only the condition of the building, but also its impact on the character of the community and neighborhood, its historical and architectural value and the cost of repair.
In the event that the survey determines that the building is unsafe or dangerous, the Village Board may pass a resolution directing the Mayor to make an application to the Supreme Court. The application will be for an order determining the building or structure to be a public nuisance and directing that it shall be repaired, secured or removed in accordance with the survey.
All costs and expenses incurred by the village in connection with the proceedings to survey, repair, secure or remove, including the actual cost of surveying, repairing, securing or removing a building or structure, together with a charge of 50% in addition thereto as compensation to the village for administering, shall be assessed against the land on which the building or structure is located and added to the village levy.
Said surveyors shall be paid reasonable compensation for the service performed by them in making their survey and in preparing the report thereof.