Sec. 518.310. - Permitted repairs.

(a) When a building or structure has been cited for being in violation of this Part the violator may: (1) Provide temporary repairs by securing and sealing the property provided such action will eliminate or cure all unsafe elements and will not constitute a blighting influenced as defined under Section 518.111 . (2) Repair the unsafe elements cited by the Chief. (b) If the violator chooses to provide temporary repairs by securing and sealing the property, as stated hereinafter, he/she shall notify and obtain approval from the Chief for the temporary repairs. The Chief, when approving temporary repairs in the form of securing and sealing, shall state a reasonable time in which permanent repairs shall be made to the property. If permanent repairs are not made within the stipulated time, the Chief can cite the property for being in violation of this Part and take the necessary action to abate the nuisance. (c) An unsafe building or structure, or part thereof, may be repaired and restored, but if the damage or cost of reconstruction or restoration as evidenced by the bid of a contractor licensed to do business in the City is in excess of 50 percent of the just value of the building or structure, as this term is defined by statute for Property Appraisers, such building or structure, if reconstructed or restored, shall be made to conform in all respects to requirements of the Chapters or ordinances of the City applicable to new buildings or structures. (d) When a building or structure is unoccupied and is unsafe because it is vacant, unguarded and open at doors or windows, or otherwise provides access to the interior, the Chief may approve the temporary securing of the building or structure. Materials or methods for securing the building or structure shall be as follows: (1) Windows and doors shall be repaired or replaced, closed and locked to prevent unauthorized entry. Other openings shall be sealed with solid sheathing, consisting of one-inch boards or minimum ½-inch exterior grade plywood or equivalent, securely nailed in place with 8d nails and painted a similar color as the main structure; or (2) Windows, doors and other openings shall be secured by covering same with solid sheathing consisting of one-inch boards or minimum ½-inch exterior grade plywood or equivalent, securely nailed in place with minimum 8d nails and painted a similar color as the main structure. Where there is no frame or where the frame is loose or defective, a subframe of two by four-inch lumber shall be provided to secure the sheathing. (3) The Chief may approve alternatives to the above methods, providing the alternatives are equivalent to the above in strength. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1; Ord. 98-496-E, § 2)