§ 56-532. Dangerous buildings or structures.

(a)

Dangerous buildings defined. All buildings or structures, portions or parts of a building or remains of a building or structure which may have any of the defects enumerated herein or in the building code shall be deemed a dangerous building and a nuisance provided that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that they are detrimental to the life, health, property, safety or welfare of the public, or its occupants are endangered. A building is a dangerous building whenever:

(1)

The exterior walls or other vertical structural members list, lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one-third of the base.

(2)

A portion thereof has wrecked, warped, buckled or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or snow than is required in the case of similar new construction.

(3)

The building or structure, or any portion thereof, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, vandalism or faulty construction or the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building or the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation or any other cause is likely to partially or completely collapse.

(4)

The building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows substantial damage or deterioration of the supporting or nonsupporting members, or enclosing or outside walls or wall coverings.

(5)

The building or structure has improperly distributed loads upon the floors or roofs, or in which the same are overloaded or which have insufficient strength to be reasonably safe for the purpose used.

(6)

A portion of the building has been damaged by fire, earthquake, tornado, wind, flood, vandals or any other cause, to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such catastrophe or damage and is less than the minimum requirements of the building code for similar new construction.

(7)

A door, aisle, passageway, stairway, fire escape or other means of egress is not of sufficient width or size, or is damaged, dilapidated, obstructed or otherwise unusable, or so arranged so as not to provide safe and adequate means of egress in case of fire or panic.

(8)

A portion of the building or member or appurtenance thereof (e.g., porch, chimney, signs) is likely to fail, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.

(9)

The building or structure has any portion, member or appurtenance, ornamentation on the exterior thereof which is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable of safely resisting wind pressure, or snow or other loads.

(10)

The building or structure, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, trash, filth, inadequate light, air ventilation or sanitation facilities, or otherwise is determined to be unsafe, unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

(11)

For any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is being used.

(12)

The building or structure or land it occupies exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such building or structure or land provided by this article or other applicable laws or ordinances of this state or city relating to the condition, use, location, maintenance of the building, structures or land.

(13)

The building or structure has become an attractive nuisance to children or is open to unauthorized or unlawful entry.

(14)

The building or structure because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration, damage, trash and debris, unsafe exits, lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, unsafe electrical wiring, gas connections, or heating apparatus, previous fires or any other cause is determined to be a fire hazard or is a fire hazard under chapter 26.

(15)

The electrical system is totally or partially damaged, destroyed, removed or otherwise made inoperable, unsafe or hazardous.

(16)

The plumbing system is totally or partially damaged, destroyed, removed or otherwise made inoperable or unsanitary.

(17)

The mechanical system or any portion of the mechanical system is totally or partially damaged, destroyed, removed or otherwise made inoperable or unsafe.

(18)

The building or structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration or damage, is detrimental to the sale, loan or taxable values of surrounding properties or which renders such surrounding properties uninsurable or which constitutes a blighting influence upon the neighborhood or which constitutes an eyesore so as to deprive owners or occupants of neighboring property of the beneficial use and enjoyment of their premises or which presents an appearance which is offensive to persons of ordinary sensibilities.

(19)

The building or structure is in such condition as to constitute a public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.

(20)

A portion of a building or structure remains on a site when construction or demolition work is abandoned.

(b)

Dangerous buildings, nuisance. Any building or structure found to be a dangerous building is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

(c)

Party defined. The owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee, agent or any person having an interest in a building or structure, as shown by the land records of the recorder of deeds or director of records of the county wherein the land is located.

(Ord. No. 941034, § A(20.127), 9-15-94)