§ 29. Minimum Specifications to Abate Interior Requirements in Vacant Dwelling Units.

(a)

When a vacant, burned or otherwise damaged or deteriorated dwelling has been boarded, corrective action to bring the dwelling into full compliance with the Atlanta Housing Code shall begin within 30 days after the dwelling has been boarded and shall be completed and the boarding removed within a period of six months from the date of the boarding. The dwelling shall be subject to an inspection beginning four months from the date of the boarding. Failure to have begun the corrective action necessary to bring the dwelling into full compliance with the Atlanta Housing Code within 30 days after the dwelling has been boarded, and the failure to allow city code enforcement officers to gain access to the interior of the dwelling after proper notification, shall each constitute a separate violation of this Code.

(b)

The minimum specifications to secure a vacant dwelling to abate interior requirements shall be as follows unless otherwise approved in writing by the director:

(1)

All windows on all levels, through which access to the interior of the dwelling can be made, shall be secured from the interior of the building with ½" exterior grade plywood sheathing, as shown in Exhibit "A";

(2)

All window boards shall be fit to screen inset molding as shown;

(3)

All fabricated boards shall be painted with one coat of primer on the exterior surface. At least one coat of paint in a color that is compatible with the existing building shall also be placed on all fabricated boards;

(4)

All two-inch × four-inch interior wood stock used in securing the sheathing shall be padded with carpet type material of minimum dimensions four-inch × eight-inch permanently attached. This padding shall be adjusted to prevent damage to interior walls and wood trim;

(5)

All exterior doors of the dwelling shall be secured from the exterior of the dwelling with ¾-inch exterior grade plywood. Prior to securing plywood cut (4) two × four pressure treated pieces of lumber to fit the inside of the existing door frame (see attached detail "A"). Screw the pieces into the door frame with a three-inch hex head screw at ten-inch on center.

(6)

Cut ¾-inch exterior grade plywood to fit and enclose the existing opening, screw three-inch hex head screws and washers around the edge of the ¾-inch plywood at eight-inch on center. (See attached detail "A")

Note: Each door should be on case by case bases, because not all doors are the same. The contractor should field verify the existing door conditions and make adjustments in the field accordingly.

(c)

As an alternative to the minimum specifications set forth immediately above, any property owner or the city acting pursuant to an in rem order may secure a vacant dwelling to abate interior requirements, in its sound discretion, as follows:

(1)

All windows and doors on all levels, through which access to the interior of the dwelling can be made, shall be secured from the interior of the building with 14 gauge reinforced perforated steel covers;

(2)

All coverings shall be devoid of any pry points by which trespassers can pry the coverings open so as to gain unauthorized entry;

(3)

At least one steel-covered door shall be equipped with a lock mechanism to allow for authorized entry;

(4)

All coverings may be equipped with a monitoring system in order to notify the property owner or party responsible for the covering of any unauthorized entry. The monitoring system shall not be dependent on electrical or phone service; and

(5)

Any costs incurred by the city shall be billed to and collected from the property owner or other responsible party, including through lien of real property, in the same manner as set forth in Article III or V of the Housing Code.

(d)

Maintenance of a secured vacant dwelling. All openings specified in section 29(b) or (c) herein must remain secured in the manner prescribed in section 29(b) or (c) herein and the exterior of the dwelling must remain in compliance with all applicable provisions of this Code. Failure of the owner, operator or agent to maintain the secured vacant dwelling as prescribed herein shall subject them to legal action without further notice from the director.

(e)

Compliance with these minimum specifications shall not include issuance of citations in the event that subsequent thereto the structure becomes open or otherwise falls below these minimum specifications. These specifications shall in no way abate, assume, substitute or replace the responsibility of any dweller and or owner to secure and maintain the premises. These standards shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

(Ord. No. 1998-59, § 1, 9-17-98; Ord. No. 2002-62, § 1, 8-26-02; Ord. No. 2011-07(11-O-0135), § 1, 3-2-11; Ord. No. 2014-47(14-O-1494), § 1, 11-12-14 ; Ord. No. 2015-15(15-O-1120), § 1, 4-29-15 )

Editor's note

It should be noted that Exhibit "A" is not set out herein, but is on file and available for inspection in the offices of the city.