§ 12:405.1. Maintenance of property—Unoccupied structures.

(a)

No person owning or having charge or control of immovable property shall allow any structure that is unoccupied and has not had running water or electricity for a period of at least two (2) weeks to exist in an unsecured condition so that it may be entered by means other than a key or forced entry. The provisions of this section shall not apply to utility buildings located on immovable property upon which there is an occupied dwelling, nor shall this section apply to accessory structures which form part of a business establishment that is in operation, so long as such structure is not being used by any persons for criminal activity.

(b)

Every person owning or having charge or control of any unoccupied, unsecured structure as set forth in part (a) shall remove all combustible waste and refuse therefrom and lock, barricade or otherwise secure all windows, doors and openings in the building to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.

(c)

Any unoccupied, unsecured structure that is secured pursuant to this section shall be barricaded by using a minimum of one-half-inch plywood board. Any board placed on an unoccupied, unsecured structure shall be painted a color that is consistent with the color of the structure and shall be cut to fit into any windows, doors or other openings on such unoccupied, unsecured structure. Any structure boarded pursuant to an enforcement proceeding brought under former section 12:405 shall comply with the provisions of this subsection no later than twelve (12) months from the effective date of its adoption.

(d)

Enforcement of this section shall be pursuant to the provisions of section 1:609 et seq. of the Code of Ordinances. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall pay a penalty of $117.00. An additional fine of $117.00 per day may be imposed for each day of continuing violation of an order of the administrative hearing officer.

(Ord. No. 14937, § 1, 6-9-10)