§ 146-8. Maintenance and minor repair provisions.

(a)

Exemption for work not requiring a building permit. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent or discourage the ordinary maintenance and repair of the exterior elements of any landmark, landmark site or any property within a designated historic district when such maintenance and repair does not involve a change of design, appearance (other than color), or material, and which does not require a building permit.

(b)

Enforcement of maintenance and repair provisions. When the county administrator determines that the exterior of a designated landmark, landmark site or a contributing property within a designated historic district is endangered by lack of ordinary maintenance and repair, or that other improvements in visual proximity of a designated landmark, landmark site or historic district are endangered by lack of ordinary maintenance, or are in danger of deterioration to such an extent that it detracts from the desirable character of the designated landmark, landmark site or historic district, the county administrator may require correction of such deficiencies under the authority and procedures of applicable ordinances, laws and regulations.

(c)

Unsafe structures. If the building official determines that any designated landmark, landmark site or contributing property in a historic district is unsafe pursuant to the provisions of the applicable county ordinances, the appropriate official will immediately notify the county administrator by submitting copies of such findings. Where appropriate and in accordance with applicable ordinances, the county shall encourage repair of the building or structure rather than demolition.

(d)

Emergency conditions.

(1)

For the purpose of remedying an emergency condition determined to be imminently dangerous to life, health, or property, nothing contained in this chapter will prevent the temporary construction, reconstruction, demolition, or other repairs to a designated landmark, landmark site or a contributing or noncontributing property in a historic district, structural improvement, landscape feature, or archaeological site within a designated historic district.

(2)

Such temporary construction, reconstruction or demolition must take place pursuant to permission granted by the building official and only such work as is reasonably necessary to correct the emergency conditions may be carried out.

(3)

The owner of a designated landmark, landmark site or a contributing property in a historic district damaged by fire or natural calamity will be permitted to immediately stabilize the building or structure and to later rehabilitate it under the procedures required by this chapter. The owner may request a special meeting of the county administrator to consider an application for a certificate of appropriateness to provide for permanent repairs.

(e)

Demolition by neglect. If the county administrator finds that a landmark, landmark site or a contributing property in a historic district, is subject to demolition by neglect, the county administrator may recommend that the owner(s) be issued a citation by the building department for code violations and that penalties be instituted pursuant to this chapter or other ordinances.

(Ord. No. 12-33, § 6, 7-24-12)