Explanation
BACKGROUND: In an effort to deal with vacant and abandoned houses and structures, this ordinance not only creates a registration requirement for vacant structures, it also rewrites and reorganizes Title 47, Nuisance Abatement. This rewrite of Title 47 is required in order to consolidate all code sections related to nuisance abatement into one single code title, this ordinance builds upon existing sections of code drawn together from other code titles, especially the Title 45, the Columbus Housing code. These proposed code changes will move all code sections dealing with nuisance structures into one code title, making the citation and enforcement for all structures that are nuisances, but are not structurally unsound and required to be secured as per the building code, easier and more effective.
A major component of this initiative is the requirement that all vacant structures, including those that have been abandoned, be secured to certain specifications. Also as part of this initiative, a Safe Neighborhoods Review Board is being established and vested with all the powers that the former Nuisance Abatement Board was granted by the Ohio Revised Code. This board, with both city and community members, will have the power to review and abate nuisance structures as well as the power to made appropriate recommendations for the demolition or reuse of a cited structure.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To repeal and recreate Title 47, Nuisance Abatement, of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, including the repeal of code sections that are being moved into the newly reestablished title, in an effort to consolidate all code sections dealing with vacant, abandoned and nuisance structures, in addition to creating the Safe Neighborhoods Review Board.
Body
WHEREAS, vacant and abandoned houses and structures have a blighting influence on their surrounding neighborhoods and communities; and
WH...
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