§ 5-218. Retrofit of existing properties.

All existing commercial properties where the business has been closed, i.e. where a lawfully permitted business is not conducting the normal standard operations of such a business, for a period of six (6) months or more shall be required to be brought up to current code requirements for the property characteristics listed below before another local business tax receipt may be issued by the city, irrespective of whether change of use is involved or the property has been sold or transferred. The mere fact that an occupational license has been issued for the subject site shall not be determinative of whether or not the business is actually conducting operations, since an occupational license merely grants permission to operate a specific business; it (the occupational license) shall not, in itself, constitute sufficient evidence that the business is actually operational. If it appears to be physically or economically impractical to bring the property completely up to the code standard for any specific item, a variance for more limited compliance may be sought from the board of adjustments and appeals.

(1)

Plumbing system.

(2)

Electrical system.

(3)

Mechanical system.

(4)

Accessibility of buildings and facilities for handicapped persons.

(5)

Off-street parking.

(6)

Landscaping and buffering.

(7)

Exterior signage.

(8)

Stormwater management system.

(Ord. No. 97-22, § 1, 12-9-97; Ord. No. 07-03, § 1, 2-13-07; Ord. No. 08-22, § 1, 9-23-08)