§ 7.1.4. Building and property maintenance; hurricane precautions.

(A)

Definition. For the purpose of this subchapter the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

(B)

Debris. Remains of anything broken down or destroyed, ruins, fragments, rubbish, trash, waste material, litter, and rubble.

(C)

Maintenance of building and property.

(1)

Buildings.

(a)

The requirements contained in this code and incorporated codes covering the maintenance of buildings, shall apply to all buildings or structures now existing or hereafter erected. All buildings or structures and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition and all devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in good working order.

(b)

This division shall not be construed as permitting the removal or non-maintenance of any existing devices or safeguards unless authorized by the Building Official.

(2)

Property. No debris of any kind shall remain on any lot or on a contiguous sidewalk or street resulting from a fire, windstorm, or from demolition or partial demolition of any building; nor shall any equipment, excess building materials, storage sheds, or debris remain on any lot, sidewalk, or street, upon completion of any new building upon the lot; nor shall any equipment, materials, tool shed, or debris be stored on any vacant or partially vacant lot, except as provided for in the zoning ordinances. It is hereby made the duty of the owner or his agent to remove or cause to be removed from the sidewalk, street or lot all equipment, materials, tool sheds, and debris within five days after written notice by the Building Official. For failure to comply with this notice after the period of five days, the owner or permit holder is subject to the penalties specified herein, the Certificate of Occupancy for the structure or structures may be revoked and the Building Official shall have the work done and public property restored and shall notify the legal authority, who shall institute the necessary action to have the costs placed as a lien against the property.

(D)

Hurricane precautions; investigations and inspections.

(1)

Hurricane precautions.

(a)

During the periods of time as are designated by the United States Weather Service as being a hurricane warning or alert, the owner, occupant, or user of a property shall take precaution for the securing of buildings and equipment. Canvas awnings and swing signs shall be lashed to rigid construction, tents shall be taken down and stored or lashed to the ground, and other precautions shall be taken for the securing of buildings or structures or material or equipment as may be reasonably required.

(b)

During the periods of time designated by the United States Weather Service as being a hurricane warning or alert, all construction materials or equipment shall be secured against displacement by wind forces; provided that where a full complement of personnel is employed or otherwise in attendance, or engaged for protection purposes, normal construction procedures, or uses of materials or equipment may continue allowing a reasonable time as may be necessary to secure the materials or equipment before winds of hurricane force are anticipated. Construction materials and equipment shall be secured by guying and shoring, by tying down loose materials, equipment, and construction sheds.

(c)

During the periods of time designated by the United States Weather Service as a hurricane alert, all furniture, display rack, material, and similar loose objects in exposed outdoor locations shall be lashed to rigid construction or stored in buildings. Orders shall be oral or written and shall be given to any person on the premises most logically responsible for maintenance and the orders shall be carried out before winds of hurricane velocity are anticipated.

(2)

Special hurricane inspections.

(a)

After winds of hurricane velocity are experienced and have subsided, the Building Official shall investigate to determine if damage has occurred to buildings or other structures.

(b)

No building or other structure or assembly or part thereof which was damaged or collapsed or out of plumb or line shall be repaired or altered or otherwise returned to its original position without inspection and approval by the Building Official or his designated representative.