Standards for vacant structures

(a)

It is unlawful to maintain vacant structures which are unsecured or do not meet the requirements as set forth in section 19-231(15).

(b)

All vacant structures shall be secured as follows:

(1)

Material requirements. Door and window security panels shall consist of the following:

a.

One-half-inch sheathing grade plywood;

b.

Three-eighths-inch diameter carriage bolts with nuts and flat steel washers, sufficient in length to fasten the plywood panel to the wood support bracket for both wood frame and concrete block walls; washers to be approximately one (1) inch in diameter;

c.

Two (2) by four (4) utility grade lumber sufficient in length to overlap the window opening six (6) inches on each side;

d.

Galvanized hardware cloth, eight (8) by eight (8) mesh, to cover the vent opening in the plywood panel;

e.

One-and-one-half-inch wood lattice to trim around the screen vent.

(2)

Installation requirements.

a.

Windows. The plywood shall be cut to fit over the window within the boundaries of the window opening. A three-inch-by-eighteen-inch opening shall be cut into the plywood as shown on the schematic drawing. Cover the opening with the hardware cloth lapping the opening one-half inch on each side and secure to plywood panel. Trim the opening with lattice trim covering the edge of the hardware cloth. Drill four (4) one-half-inch holes into the plywood for the carriage bolts as shown on the schematic drawing. Drill matching holes in the two (2) by four (4) support brackets to align with the holes in the plywood. Paint the panel assembly on both sides and edges with two (2) coats of good quality exterior latex enamel before installation. Install the panel to the window as shown on the schematic drawing. The window glass must be removed prior to installation, unless the windows can be raised or lowered out of the way of the bolts. Install the support brackets in either a vertical or horizontal position, depending on the circumstances, and secure in place with the carriage bolts and nuts on the inside of the window.

b.

Doors. All entrance doors are to be nailed closed with twelve-penny nails at twelve (12) inches O.C. around the perimeter of the door jamb and head. When no door exists, the opening is to be secured in the same manner as outlined in paragraph (2)a. of installation requirements, with the exception that no vent opening is required.

(Ord. No. 89-269, § 2(48-173), 10-12-89; Ord. No. 90-124, § 2(48-173), 5-17-90; Ord. No. 96-204, § 34, 9-26-96)