Richmond Municipal Code Ch. 6.10 Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code

These regulations shall be known as the "Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings," may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this chapter."

This code is one of the technical codes of Building Regulations and is administered under Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code of the City of Richmond as such.

The most recent edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is adopted by this reference and incorporated herein the same as though fully set forth in this chapter, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions specified in Section 6.10.040 of this chapter. Any new edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings shall be adopted and shall become effective 90 days after publication of said code in the State Building Standards Code.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 13-94 N.S.)

Three copies of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings as adopted by Section 6.10.020, and all amendments thereto, shall be kept on file in the office of the City clerk for inspection by the public.

The following amendments, additions and deletions are made to the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings as adopted by Section 6.10.020 of this chapter:

(A) Addition — Chapter 1, Sec. 102 (b) — Revise the Scope to add the following as an additional paragraph to Sec. 102 (b):

"Sec. 102. (b)...The Administrative part of this chapter is in addition to the City of Richmond's Building Regulations Administrative Code Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code. Where conflicts occur between this chapter and Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code the provisions of Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code shall govern."

(B) Amendment — Section 205 — Revise Section 205(a) of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings to read as follows:

"Sec. 205.(a) General. Appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code shall be heard and decided by the Board of Appeals, the body created by Richmond Municipal Code Section 6.10.130."

(C) Addition — Section 501 — Appeal Hearing — Demolition. A new subsection, subsection (d), is added to Section 501 of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, to read as follows:

"(d) Automatic Appeal — Demolition by City. Whenever the owner has failed to repair, correct or abate the conditions constituting a dangerous building within the time specified in the notice required by this code and the Building Official recommends that the City abate the dangerous building by demolition by the City, prior to demolition by the City the Building Official shall request and the Board of Appeals shall hold an appeal hearing. The sole issue on appeal shall be whether the conditions and circumstances justify demolition under the requirements of this code and other applicable laws. The appeal shall otherwise be treated like any other appeal with respect to procedure, notice, conduct of the hearing, and decision-making. Notwithstanding this subsection, demolition by the City may be made on a summary basis and no appeal hearing before the Board of Appeals shall be required where the Building Official has determined that, in the absence of demolition, the building or structure is in such condition as to make it immediately and imminently dangerous to the life, limb, safety, health, or property of the public or adjoining properties and/or the occupants thereof. Prior to carrying out such summary demolition, the Building Official shall first confer with the City Attorney."

(Amended by Ordinance No. 13-94 N.S. Source: Ordinance No. 20-86 N.S.)