(a) General.
(1) Whenever the code official determines that there has been a violation of this code or has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, or whenever the code official has determined to condemn any structure, or part of it, or equipment under provisions of section 12.5-16, notice shall be given to the property owner and to the tenant in the manner prescribed in this Code.
(2) If the code official has condemned the structure or part of it, or equipment, the code official shall serve prior notice to the property owner and to the tenants of the intent to:
a. Order the structure or part of it placarded or vacated; or
b. Order the equipment placed out of service.
(b) Service of notice.
(1) Notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon a property owner or tenant by one of the following methods:
a. By delivering to the person to be served or his agent a copy of the notice and all other necessary papers; or
b. By mailing to the person to be served at his last known address or to his agent by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested a copy of the notice and all other necessary papers.
(2) If the certified or registered letter is returned with receipt showing that it has not been delivered, notice shall be served by posting a copy of it in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by the notice.
(c) Notice to vacate. When a condemnation order is served on a tenant, the tenant shall be given a reasonable time to vacate the structure in accordance with state or city law.
(d) Transfer of ownership. A property owner who has received a compliance order or upon whom notice of violation has been served may not sell, transfer, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of the premises until:
(1) The provisions of the compliance order or notice of violation have been complied with; or
(2) The property owner shall first furnish the grantee, transferee, mortgagee, or lessee a true copy of the compliance order or notice of violation issued by the code official and shall furnish to the code official a signed and notarized statement from the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee, in which he acknowledges the receipt of the compliance order or notice of violation and states that he fully accepts and assumes the responsibility without condition for making the corrections or repairs required by the compliance order or notice of violation.
(e) Removal of placard. A property owner may not deface or remove a condemnation placard without the approval of the code official. (Ord. No. G-88-21, § .07, 12-8-88)