75A - PH AMENDING CH. 8 OF MUNI CODE

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H. Bonding and Fencing Requirements for Vacant Buildings. (1) Whenever a building remains vacant for a period of ninety (90) days or more, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter the owner, beneficiary or trustee, shall post with the city a bond or similar security in an amount equal to three (3) months estimated costs of blight prevention and security activities, as estimated by the Chief Building Official or Code Enforcement Manager. (2) Whenever a building remains vacant for a period of ninety (90) days or more, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter, the owner, beneficiary or trustee shall cause to be installed a minimum six foot (6) high chain -link fence adjacent to the property boundaries, or other alternative fencing acceptable to the Chief Building Official or Code Enforcement Manager that is adequate to protect the public health, safety and welfare, unless the City officials determine that the installation of such fencing will be detrimental to the public safety and welfare. Any fencing required under this section may additionally require screening if deemed necessary in order to protect the safety, streetscape and overall appearance of the site. The Chief Building Official and Code Enforcement Manager may promulgate additional fencing standards for vacant properties consistent with this section. Sec. 8-1988. Additional authority; Monitoring Program. A. In addition to the enforcement remedies established in this division, the city shall have the authority to require the beneficiary, trustee, owner or owner of record of any property affected by this section, to implement additional maintenance and/or security measures including but not limited to, securing any and all doors, windows or other openings, installing additional security lighting, increasing on - site inspection frequency, employment of an on -site security guard or other measures as may be reasonably required to secure and reduce the visual decline of the property. B. Property Monitoring Program and Procedures. (1) Purpose. Vacant buildings are a major cause and source of blight in residential and non-residential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to maintain and manage the building. Vacant buildings often attract squatters and criminals, including drug users. Use of vacant buildings by squatters and criminals creates a risk of fire for the vacant buildings and adjacent properties. Vacant properties are often used as dumping grounds for Munk and debris and are often overgrown with weeds and grass. Vacant buildings which are boarded up and other long-term vacancies discourage economic development and retard appreciation of property values. In order to combat these issues, the focus of the monitoring program shall be: (a) To identify buildings that become vacant; (b) To order vacant buildings that are open and accessible to be secured against unlawful entry pursuant to City codes, Ordinance No. NS-XXXX Page 11 of 16 75A-16