5-3-1. Purpose.

(1) Whenever the ordinance enforcement administrator determines that an imminent life safety hazard exists that requires immediate correction or elimination, the administrator may exercise the following powers without prior notice to the responsible person:

(a) order the immediate evacuation of any tenants and prohibit occupancy until all repairs are completed;

(b) post the premises as unsafe, substandard, or dangerous;

(c) board, fence, or secure the building or site;

(d) raze and grade that portion of the building or site to prevent further collapse and remove any hazard to the general public;

(e) make any minimal emergency repairs as necessary to eliminate any imminent life safety hazard; or

(f) take any other action appropriate to eliminate the emergency.

(2) The ordinance enforcement administrator has the authority, based on cause, to enter the property without a search warrant or court order to accomplish the above listed acts to abate the imminent life safety hazard.

(3) The responsible person shall be liable for all costs associated with the abatement of the life safety hazard. Costs may be recovered pursuant to this title. (Ord. 2005-05, 2/15/05 )