§ 14-327. Standards for repair, vacation or demolition.

(a)

Ordered repaired. If the alleged dangerous building can be feasibly repaired or the condition remedied so that it will no longer exist in violation of the terms of this article, it shall first be ordered remedied or repaired. Demolition shall be regarded as a remedy of last resort.

(b)

Ordered vacated and secured. If the dangerous building is in such a condition as to make it hazardous to the health, safety, or general welfare of its occupants or the public, it will be ordered vacated and secured.

(c)

Ordered demolished. In any case where a dangerous building is 50 percent or more damaged or decayed or deteriorated in its structure, or 50 percent or more diminished in its value due to damage, decay, or deterioration, a presumption shall arise that the building cannot be repaired. Such presumption may be appropriately rebutted by the weight of the evidence. Value may be determined by comparing the most recent valuation for the building by the appropriate tax appraisal district with the valuation of the building two years prior to the most recent valuation by the appraisal district. Principles of sound engineering practices shall be respected.

(d)

Settlement. In all cases of settlement in which a responsible party enters into a voluntary demolition agreement to accept city serviced demolition, all settlement agreements shall be reviewed by the building and standards commission prior to execution by a duly authorized city official possessing settlement authority.

(Code 2005, § 14-327; Ord. No. 2013-28, § 2, 9-9-2013)