Chapter 3 of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1991 Edition, which code was adopted by reference in CMC 15.15.010, is hereby amended by the following addition:

Minimum Standards for Vacant Buildings.

A. Definition.

"Vacant building" means a building that is unoccupied and is not used as a place of residence or business. At the discretion of the Building Official, a portion of a vacant building may be occupied if the occupied portion meet the standards specified in this Code and the vacant and closed portion complies with the minimum maintenance standards for vacant buildings specified in this section.

B. Public Nuisance – Dangerous Buildings.

Any vacant building which is not maintained in compliance with the minimum standards for vacant buildings imposed by this Section or such more stringent standards imposed by the Building Official is a dangerous building and as such, is deemed and hereby declared to be a public nuisance which the Building Official is authorized to summarily abate in accordance with the abatement provisions for dangerous buildings found in this code.

C. Maintenance Standards.

Every vacant building shall conform to the standards of this section except when more stringent standards are imposed by the Building Official.

1. Sanitary Facilities.

a. All plumbing fixtures connected to an approved water system, an approved sewage system, or an approved natural gas utility system shall be installed in accordance with applicable codes and be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

b. All plumbing fixtures connected to an approved system, sewage system, or approved natural gas utility system, not installed or maintained in compliance with this code and other applicable codes and ordinances shall be removed and the service terminated in the manner prescribed by current codes and ordinances.

c. All plumbing fixtures not connected to an approved water system, an approved sewage system, or an approved natural gas utility system shall either be connected to an approved system or the fixtures shall be removed and the pipes capped in accordance with this code and other applicable codes and ordinances.

2. Electrical System.

a. Every existing outlet and fixture shall be properly connected, and wiring and service lines shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this code and other applicable codes and ordinances.

b. Outlets and fixtures not installed or maintained in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances shall be removed and the services terminated in the manner prescribed by law.

3. Safety from Fire.

a. No vacant building or premises shall contain any space to be used for the storage of flammable liquids.

b. No room in any vacant building nor any premises shall be used for storage of materials which would constitute a safety or fire hazard.

c. Heating facilities or heating equipment in vacant buildings shall be removed or maintained in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances and any fuel supply shall be removed or terminated in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances.

4. All Vacant Buildings Shall be Closed to Unauthorized Entry According to the Following Standards.

a. All windows or glazed openings shall be protected by intact glazing. All windows or glazed openings, the sills of which are located ten (10) feet or less above grade, stairway, landing, ramp, porch, roof, or other similarly accessible area, shall provide resistance to entry equivalent to or greater than that of a solid sheet of one quarter (1/4) inch plywood, painted to protect it from the elements, cut to fit the opening, and securely nailed using 6D galvanized nails spaced not more than nine (9) inches on center.

b. Doors and service openings with thresholds located ten (10) feet or less above grade, a stairway, landing, ramp, porch, roof or similarly accessible areas shall provide resistance to entry equivalent to or greater than that of a closed single panel or hollow core door one and three eighths (1-3/8) inches thick equipped with a one half inch throw dead bolt. Exterior doors, if openable, may be closed from the interior of the building by toe nailing them to the door frame using 10D or larger galvanized nails.

c. There shall be one operable door into each building and into each housing unit. If an existing door is operable, it may be used and secured with a suitable lock such as a hasp and padlock or a one half (1/2) inch deadbolt or dead latch. All locks shall be kept locked. When a door cannot be made operable, a door shall be constructed of three quarter (3/4) inch CDX plywood and shall be equipped with a lock as described above.

d. All debris, combustible materials, litter and garbage shall be removed from vacant buildings that have been closed to unauthorized entry and from adjoining yard areas. After being closed to unauthorized entry, the building and premises shall be maintained free from such items.

D. Occupying or Renting Vacant Buildings.

After notice of violation, order or emergency order is issued in accordance with the provisions of this code, no one shall use, occupy, rent, cause, suffer, or allow any person to use or occupy or rent any vacant building that has been vacated, after issuance of a notice of violation, order or emergency order, unless written approval from the Building Official has been obtained.