§ 15.16.040. Removal of buildings damaged beyond fifty percent.

A.

Any building or structure within the fire limits of the city, as prescribed in Chapter 15.20, which has or may be damaged by fire, decay, or other cause to the extent of fifty percent of its value, shall be torn down and removed.

B.

Upon written notice by the building inspector, or the health officer, filed with the city clerk, the clerk shall notify the council of the receipt of such notice. The council shall then appoint three persons to determine whether or not such building or structure has been damaged to the extent of fifty percent of its value.

C.

A copy of the notice of the appointment of this board of three persons to determine the damage shall be served upon the owner of the premises by personal service or by registered mail to his last known address.

D.

Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:

"To..............
"You are hereby notified that ........ has determined that the building owned by you at ........ located within the fire limits of the city has been damaged by fire, decay or otherwise to the extent of fifty percent (50 percent) of its value and that a board of three persons has been appointed to verify this finding, which board will hold its first meeting in the city hall on the .... day of ...... at the hour of ...... o'clock, at which time it will determine whether this finding is correct.

"If this finding is verified by the board, you must tear down and remove the said building."

E.

If the board members determine that the building in question has been damaged to the extent of fifty percent of its value, it shall be the duty of the owner to tear down or remove the building within twenty days after the finding of the board; and it is unlawful to occupy or permit such building to be occupied after such finding.

(Prior code § 15-3D).