15.12.040 Hearings before the Building Inspector.
A. Unless, prior to the time fixed for hearing in the complaint issued by the building inspector, arrangements satisfactory to the building inspector of the vacation, closure, demolition, removal, repair, alteration or improvements of the structure or premises are made, the building inspector shall hold a hearing for the purpose of determining the immediate disposition of the structure or premises.
B. That the building inspector may determine that a dwelling, building, structure, or premises is unfit for human habitation or other use if it finds that conditions exist in such dwelling, building, structure, or premises which are dangerous or injurious to the health or safety of the occupants of such dwelling, building, structure or premises, the occupants of neighboring dwellings, or other residents of Kettle Falls.
C. Such conditions may include the following, without limitations: Defects therein increasing the hazards of fire or accident; inadequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, uncleanliness, overcrowding, or inadequate drainage. A dangerous building is a Nuisance, and at the option of the City also may be abated in accordance with KFMC 8.12 in addition to this chapter, KFMC 15.12. If these or other conditions are found to exist to an extent dangerous or injurious to the health or safety of the building’s occupants, or the occupants of neighboring buildings or of other residents of the City of Kettle Falls, and if structural deterioration is of such degree that:
i. Vertical members list, lean, or buckle to the extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity falls outside the middle third of its base; or
ii. Thirty-three percent of the supporting members show damage or deterioration; or
iii. The cost of restoration exceeds 60 percent of the value of the building; or
iv. The building has been damaged by fire or other calamity; the cost of restoration exceeds 30 percent of the value of the building and it has remained vacant for six months or more; the building inspector shall order the building or premises demolished and the land suitably filled and cleared, or shall order the property immediately vacated and secured as completely as possible pending demolition.
v. Value shall be determined by reference to a current edition of “Building Valuation Data” published by the International Conference of Building Officials or, if not published, as determined by the building inspector. Cost of restoration is the actual estimated cost, which may be determined in the same manner as “value.”
D. That if after the required hearing, the building inspector determines that the dwelling is unfit for human habitation, or building or structure or premises is unfit for other use, he/she shall state in writing its findings of fact in support of such determination, and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner or party in interest thereof, as is provided in KFMC 15.12.030, and shall post in a conspicuous place on the property, an order that:
i. requires the owner or party in interest, within the time specified in the order, to repair, alter, or improve such dwelling, building, structure, or premises to render it fit for human habitation, or for other use, or to vacate and close the dwelling, building, or structure, or premises, if such course of action is deemed proper on the basis of the standards set forth in KFMC 15.12.040(C); or
ii. requires the owner or party in interest, within the time specified in the order, to remove or demolish such dwelling, building, structure, or premises, if this course of action is deemed proper on the basis of those standards. If no appeal is filed, a copy of such order shall be filed with the Stevens County Auditor in which the dwelling , building, structure, or premises is located.