02 City Council (04/08/02) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting April 8, 2002 Page 3 City Attorney Schenk said the second part of the packet is Article IV and is completely new. He said there are provisions in the state statutes for this type regulation, but the ordinance itself is one generated by the Legal Department. City Attorney Schenk said that the ordinance provides an alternative enforcement tooL It allows property owners with buildings that are structurally sound eaternally but are not in compliance inside the building to opt to place the building in what is called a permitted secured status. Under this provision, the property owners can come in and file for a permit to place the building under secured status and if the Building Official finds that the structure is sound, but not in compliance with the city's building code, then the property owner can place the building in a secured status by filing an application for a permit and paying the fee. After the property is inspected and passes the inspection, the owner receives the permit for one year. City Attorney Schenk advised that after the one year, renewal is conditioned upon again paying the renewal fee and having an inspection by a private inspector that has been certified by the state. City Attorney Schenk said the ordinance would require necessary things to secure the building, such as placing plywood over any broken windows, making sure the front door is secure and closed, ensuring that the roof was sound and not sagging, and that as a condition of the permit, the property would also have to be in total compliance with other city ordinances. He said the buildings are usually placed on a higher profile list for police officers, similar to what is done when a property owner is on vacation. City Attorney Schenk requested that if the City Council wished to adopt the ordinance immediately that they set a delayed effective date such as June 1, 2002, in order for the city staff to have time to generate the forms, and do other training with the Code Inspection personnel that is necessary so that they will be ready when the ordinance becomes effective. He said the city would be sending copies of the ordinance to all of the Realtors and others who deal with property so that they will be fully aware of what the new requirements will be before the ordinance goes into effect. The City Attorney felt that the citizens should be made aware of what they now have to do with their property in order to get voluntary compliance.