§ 18-214. Vacant structures, unimproved lots.

(a)

All materials used to board or secure a vacant building against entry shall be painted in a workmanlike fashion in the same color as other exterior walls of the building.

(b)

Every owner of a building or structure that is vacant and unsecured shall secure and maintain in secure condition all entrances and all other openings of such building or structure including, but not limited to, windows and doorways.

(c)

Such vacant building or structure shall be secured as follows:

(1)

On all vacant buildings or structures other than vacant commercial storefronts, the ground floor entrances, windows and other openings of such vacant building or structure shall be secured and sealed with concrete block or other materials providing the same level of protection against forced entry as determined by the building official or his designee. For purposes of this section the term "ground floor entrances" shall include all openings which are readily accessible to a person six feet in height without use of a ladder or other climbing aid.

(2)

All other unsecured entrances, windows and openings not covered by subsection (c)(1) of this section shall be secured by wood or other similar materials approved by the building official or his designee. Entrances and windows above the ground floor shall be regarded as secure if the entrances are locked and not otherwise open to entry and the windows contain glass which is not cracked or broken or shutters which prevent entry.

(3)

As an alternative to subsections (c)(1) and (2) of this section, vacant buildings and structures may be secured in accordance with a total building security plan if approved by the building official.

(4)

As an exception to subsections (c)(1) and (2) of this section, whenever any ground floor window of a vacant commercial storefront is found to be shattered, cracked, missing or broken, the owner of such building shall be required to repair or replace the window.

(d)

Every owner of a vacant building, structure or lot, shall provide and maintain all unpaved areas of the site with grass, ground cover, shrubbery, or other suitable plant material. Paving of vacant lots shall be prohibited unless a site plan has been approved by the planning and zoning department.

(Ord. No. 4410-12, § 4, 3-5-2012)