§ 17.40.860. Dwellings unfit for human habitation—Demolition.

A.

The Director of Planning and Zoning shall order a dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit to be demolished if it has been designated and placarded as unfit for human habitation, has been vacated, and not been put into proper repair as to rescind the designation as unfit for human habitation and to cause the placard to be removed.

B.

The owner of any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit which has been ordered demolished shall be given notice of the order in the manner provided for service of notice in Section 17.40.840 and shall be given a reasonable time not to exceed ninety days to demolish the structure.

C.

An owner aggrieved by the notice to demolish may seek, within ten days, a reconsideration of the matter in the manner provided in this article, and may seek a formal hearing in the manner provided in Section 17.40.880.

D.

When the owner fails, neglects or refuses to demolish an unfit, unsafe, or unsanitary dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit within the requisite time, the Director of Planning and Zoning may apply to a court for a demolition order to undertake the demolition. The court may grant the order when no reconsideration or hearing on the matter is pending. The cost of demolition or abatement shall be a lien on the property and collectible in the same manner as delinquent taxes.

E.

Whenever a dwelling is demolished, whether carried out by the owner or by the Director, the demolition shall include the filling in of the excavation remaining on the property on which the demolished dwelling was located in a manner which eliminates all potential danger to the public health, safety, or welfare arising from the excavation.

F.

All demolition shall be preceded by an inspection of the premises by the Director to determine whether or not extermination procedures are necessary. If the premises are found to be infested, appropriate rat extermination to prevent the spread of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests to other areas shall be instituted before, during, and after demolition.

(Ord. O-26-03 § 1 (part): prior code § 12-12)

(Ord. No. O-23-12, § I, 7-23-2012; Ord. No. O-12-16 Amended, § I, 5-23-2016)