§ 34-146. Maintenance of historic properties and building and zoning code provisions  


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  • (a) Ordinary maintenance and repair. Ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior architectural or environmental feature in or on an historic property to correct deterioration or decay or sustain the existing form, and that does not involve a material change in design, material or outer appearance thereof, does not require a certificate of appropriateness.

    (b) Deterioration by neglect. Property owners of historic properties or properties within historic districts shall not allow their buildings to deteriorate by failing to provide ordinary maintenance or repair. The commission shall be charged with the following responsibilities regarding deterioration by neglect:

    (1) The commission shall monitor the condition of historic properties and existing buildings in historic districts to determine if they are being allowed to deteriorate by neglect. Such conditions as broken windows, doors and exterior openings which allow the elements and vermin to enter or the deterioration of a building's structural system shall constitute failure to provide ordinary maintenance or repair.

    (2) In the event the commission determines a failure to provide ordinary maintenance or repair, the commission will notify the owner of the property and set forth the steps which need to be taken to remedy the situation. The owner of such property will have 30 days in which to do this.

    (3) In the event that the condition is not remedied in 30 days, the owner shall be punished as provided in section 34-147 and, at the direction of the county commissioner, the commission may perform such maintenance or repair as is necessary to prevent deterioration by neglect. The owner of the property shall be liable for the costs of such maintenance and repair performed by the commission.

    (c) Affirmation of existing building and zoning codes. Nothing in this article shall be construed to exempt property owners from complying with existing county building and zoning codes, nor prevent any property owner from making any use of his property not prohibited by other statutes, ordinances or regulations.

(Ord. of 8-21-2002, § V)