§ 18-129. Vacant structure permit.

(a)

Generally. Any such owner or agent of vacant real property located within city is required to obtain a vacant structure permit "permit." As set forth below, the city will issue the permit after receipt of the completed registration form and receipt of all necessary fees. The permit shall be valid for a period of 12 months. After the permit expires, if the structure remains vacant, the owner shall renew the registration of same, as set forth below.

(b)

Registration of vacant structures.

(1)

Whenever the city provides written notice to the owner of the existence of vacant real property, the owner shall, within 14 calendar days of the date shown on such notice, submit the permit application, pay all applicable inspection fees to the department and allow the city to conduct the initial inspections and any re-inspections as a result of documented violations. The fees for residential and commercial inspections are set forth in the schedule of fees adopted by the mayor/council.

(2)

The owner must complete a registration form pursuant to section 18-123 above.

(c)

Inspections of vacant real property.

(1)

At the time the permit is initially issued and at the time of renewal registration the city shall perform an interior and exterior inspection of the property and any structures thereon. Registration and permit issuance grants consent for the building official and code enforcement officers to enter the property for initial and renewal inspection purposes. This inspection shall be conducted within 14 days of receipt of the registry permit application and associated fees. The registrant shall provide combination/keyed access or make arrangements for an escorted inspection.

(2)

Inspections shall be conducted to verify maintenance in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code, applicable state laws, and all local codes and ordinances.

(3)

Without prior consent, and at any time that the city deems necessary during the registry period, the city code enforcement officers and building official may perform additional exterior only inspections of the property. Any further interior inspections of the primary and accessory structures thereon shall be in accordance with the "right of entry" provisions granted by the International Property Maintenance Code.

(4)

Without prior consent, and at any time the city police or fire departments require, the owner shall permit inspections of the property in order to determine that the property will support entry by police and/or fire personnel in cases of emergency.

(d)

Violations and penalties. Violations and penalties shall be enforced in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted and amended.

(e)

Fees. The department is hereby authorized to collect a fee to offset the cost of inspections and re-inspections. The fee for inspections is set forth in the schedule of fees adopted by the mayor and council.

( Ord. No. 03-2014, § 1(Exh. A), 5-28-14 )