§ 14-123. Failure of owner to take corrective action.

(a)

If the owner of a building or structure that has been condemned as unsafe pursuant to section 14-122(a) shall fail to take prompt corrective action, the code enforcement officer shall give him written notice, by certified or registered mail to his last-known address or by personal service:

(1)

That the building or structure is in a condition that appears to constitute a fire or safety hazard or to be dangerous to life, health, or other property;

(2)

That a hearing will be held before the town manager at a designated place and time, not later than ten days after the date of the notice, at which time the owner shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel and to present arguments and evidence pertaining to the matter; and

(3)

That following the hearing, the town manager may issue such order to repair, close, vacate, or demolish the building or structure as appears appropriate.

(b)

If the name or whereabouts of the owner cannot after due diligence be discovered, the notice shall be considered properly and adequately served if a copy thereof is posted on the outside of the building or structure in question at least ten days prior to the hearing and a notice of the hearing is published in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least once not later than one week prior to the hearing.

(c)

If, upon a hearing held pursuant to the notice prescribed in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the code enforcement officer shall find that the building or structure is in a condition that constitutes a fire or safety hazard or renders it dangerous to life, health, or other property, he shall make an order in writing, directed to the owner of such building or structure, requiring the owner to remedy the defective conditions by repairing, closing, vacating, or demolishing the building or structure or taking other necessary steps, within a period, not less than 60 days, that the code enforcement officer may prescribe. However, where the code enforcement officer finds that there is imminent danger to life or other property, he may order that corrective action be taken in such lesser period as may be feasible.

(Code 1985, § 150.37; Code 1999, § 14-138)

State law reference

Similar provisions, G.S. 160A-429.