Sec. 307.301. - Legislative Intent and Findings.

The Council finds and declares that the current enforcement options available for violations of Chapter 518 may lead to the demolition of landmarks and contributing structures in the City's historic districts. Further, financial and real estate markets may serve to hamper the ability of property owners to appropriately address outstanding violations of Chapter 518 in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. Failing an appropriate response by the property owner, the City is forced to address the violations through engaging in an enforcement process or demolition at the City's expense. It is desirable and in the public interest to create an enforcement alternative to allow property owners to preserve the historic structures while maintaining the public's health, safety and welfare. The intent of this Part is to provide owners of historic properties with an alternative to strict compliance with Chapter 518 and the limited choice of either a complete rehabilitation of the structure or demolition. A process is needed in order to protect the financial investment in a landmark or contributing structure within a historic district by providing more time to secure funding for the rehabilitation of the structure or to market the property for sale. This process is not intended to be used to circumvent the need to perform structural corrections or perform routine and on-going maintenance to ensure protection of the public health and safety, nor as a means for a property owner to avoid compliance with Chapter 518 . It is preferable for the owner to perform any necessary repairs or to sell the property to someone committed to rehabilitating the structure so that it may productively contribute to the overall community. (Ord. 2011-408-E, § 2)