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ORDINANCE NO. 83°2511
AP~SENDMENT
MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS .CODE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 71-1351 AND ORDINANCE NO.
82-2479; PROVIDING FOR A MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS CODE FOR THE
CITY OF PLAINVIEW, TEXAS, .DECLARING ITS PURPOSE, THE METHOD
OF ENFORCEMENT, PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING FOR SPACE
AND OCCUPANCY STANDARDS, STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS, MECHANICAL
REQUIREMENTS, EXITS, FIRE PROTECTION, DEFINING SUBSTANDARD
BUILDINGS, PROVIDING FOR THE DUTIES OF .THE .CODE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER WITH THE CITY. OF PLAINVTEW, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR A
BOARD OF MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS TO DETERMINE MINIMUM HOUSING
REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF
PLATNVIEW, TEXAS., PROVIDING FOR PERFORMANCE OF DEMOLITION AND
OTHER WORK BY THE CITY OF PLAINVIEW, TEXAS, AND FOR THE.
RECOVERY OF COST OF DEMOLITIAN AND OTHER WORK, PROVIDING FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES, FOR ENFORCEMENT OF MINIMUM HOUSING
REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDING FOR FINAL APPEAL TO THE DISTRICT COURT
OF HALE ''COUNTY, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF FEES FOR
PERMITS, PROVIDING FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT SEARCH WARRANTS, PRO-
VIDING F;OR A PENAL'TY,'PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND
EFFECTIVE DATE OF "THIS ORDINANCE..
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas,
has ',determined that there is a need for a Minimum Housing Code in
the 'City of Plainview to promote.-the health, safety and welfare of
its inhabitants; and
WHEREAS, the City of .Plainview has determined that Ordinance
No. 71-,1351, and Ordinance No. 82-2479 should be amended; and
WHEREAS, the.City Council has. determined that. the 1970 edition
of the ',Uniform Building Code, Volume III, Housing Code as copy-
righted in 1970 by the International Conference of Building Officials,
Pasadena, California, with amendments to conform same to the specific
needs of Plainview, Texas, should be adopted as the Minimum Housing
Standards Code for the 'City of Plainview, Texas; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Plainview, Texas, has determined-
it would be in the best interest of the public safety and welfare
to establish a Board of Minimum Housing Standards to provide for
.final interpretations of the provisions of this Code; and
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' WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that provisions
should be made for the performance of de~molitian and other work
for~.the enforcement of minimum housing requirements and provisions.
shou~id &~e made for the recovery of costs incurred in the enforcement
of sluch minimum housing standards; and
', WHEREAS, the City Council desires to authorize various City
departments to use search warrants incidental to the enforcement
of this Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds, in the :best interest of.
clarity, it should adopt an ordinance with the revisions and amend-
ment',s to the Minimum Housing Standards Ordinance contained in one
ordilnance of the City. of Plainview, Texas.
', NOTi~, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY T:HE CITY_COUNCIL OF THE
CITYI, OF'PLAINVIEW, TEXAS, ORDINANCE N0. 73-1351 and ORDINANCE
NO. !82-'.2479 OF THE CITY"OF PLAIPIVIEW, TEXAS, SHALL BE AND THE
SAMEAR~ HEREBY AMENDED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT:.
CHAPTER 1 - TITLE AND SCOPE
Sec. H-101. This ordinance shall be kno~~tn as the "Housing Code",
and may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this
Code," .
Sec .'H-102. The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum require-
ment's for the protection. of life,. limb, ]Health, property, safety,
and welfare of the general public and the=_ owners and occupants of
residengial buildings.
Sec. H-103. Thee 1970 Edition of the Uni:Eorm Building Code, Volume
III, Housing .Code as copyrighted in 1970 by the International Con-
ference of Building Officials,-Pasadena, California, with amendments
to conf®rm same to the specific needs of the City of Plainview, Texas,
is hereby adopted as the minimum requirements for the protection of
life!, limb, health, property, safety, anc3 welfare of the general
public and the owners and occupants of residential buildings located
within the City limits of Plainview, Texas.
Sec. H-104. 1;a)Application. 'The provisions of this Code shall apply
to all buildings or portions thereof used, or designed to be used or
intended to be used for human habitation. Such buildings in existence
at the, time of the adoption of this Code may have their existing use
or occupancy continued, if such use. or occupancy was legal at the time
,of the adoption of this Code, provided such continued use is not
dangerous to life, limb, property, health, safety and welfare of -the_
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general public and the. owners and occupants of the building, and
further provided that such structures are not found to be sub-
standard as defined in this Code.
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Where any building or portion thereof is'. used or intended to be
used as a combination apartment house-hotel., the provisions of
this Code shall apply to the separate portions as if they were
separate buildings.
Every rooming house or lodging house shall comply with all the
requirements of this Code for dwellings.
(b)',Alterations. Existing buildings which are repaired, altered
or enlarged shall be, made to conform to this Code insofar as the
new ''work is concerned and in accordance with the Uniform Building
Code adopted at the time of the initial inspection by the Code
Enforcement Officer.
(c) Relocation. Existing buildings which are moved or relocated
shall be considered as new construction and shall comply.with ail
the requirements of this Code and the Uniform Building Code adopted
at the time of the in al in pection.
CHAPTER 2 - ENFORCEMENT
Sec. H-201. (a) Authority. The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby
authorized and directed to administer ar-d enforce all of-the provi-
sions of this Code.
(b) Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to
enforce any of the provisions of this Code, or whenever the Code
Enforcement Officer or his authorized representative has reasonable
cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any
premises, an.y condition which makes such building or premises sub-
standard as defined in Section H-202 of this Code,, the. Code Enforce-
ment Officer or his authorized representative may enter such building
or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform
any duty imposed upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this Code; provided.
that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present
credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises
be unoccupied, he shall first-make a reasonable. effort to locate the
owner or other persons having charge or control .of the building or
premises and demand entry. If such entry is refused, the .Code Enforce-
ment Officer or his authorized representative shall have recourse to
every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
No owner or occupant or any other person having charge, care or con-
trot of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper
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demand is made as herein provided, to properly. permit entry
therein by the Code Enforcement Officer or his authorized
representative for the purpose of inspection and examination
pursuant to this Code.
(c~~Responsibi)_ities Defined, Every, owner remains liable for
.violations of duties imposed .upon him by this Code even though-
the ,owner has, by agreement, imposed on the occupant the duty
of .furnishing required equipment or of c~omglying with this Code.
Evex'y owner, or his agent, in addition t.o being responsible for
maintaining his building in a sound structural condition, shall
be responsible for keeping that part of the. building or premises
which he occupies or controls iri:a clean., sanitary, and safe con-
dit~!,on including the shared or public areas in a building contain-
ing'two or more dwelling units.
Every owner shall, where required by this Code, the health ordinance
or the health officer, furnish and maintain such approved sanitary
facilities as required, and shall furnish and maintain approved
devices, equipment, or facilities for the prevention of insect and
rodent infestation, and. where infestation has taken place, shall be
responsible for extermination of any insects, rodents, or other
pests when such extermination is not specifically made the respon-
sib~lity of the occupant by law or ruling..
.Every occupant. of a dwelling unit, in addition to being responsible
for keeping in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition that part of
the 'dwelling or dwelling unit or premises which he occupies and con-
trols, shall dispose of all his rubbish, garbage, and. other organic
wasfie in a manner required by the health ordinance and approved by
the 'health officer.
Every occupaht shall, where required by this Code, the health
ordi~,nance or the health officer, furnish and maintain approved
devices, equipment or facilities necessary to keep his premises
safe and sanitary.
Sec.' H-202. A11 buildings or portions thereof which are determined.
to. b',e substandard as defined in this Code are hereby declared to be
publ!~ic nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation,
dema',lition, or removal in accordance tait:h the procedure specified in
Section H-1101 of this Code..
Sec.', H-203.
In order to provide for final,interpretation of the
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provisions of this Code and to hear appeals provided for hereunder,
thelBoard of Minimum Housing Standards will serve as the Appeal
Board. for Minimum Requirements of the Housing Code. There is here-
by established a Board of Minimum Housing Standards ,consisting of
five (5) members who are not employees'o~f the City. All members
appointed shall not at the time of the appointment nor during their '
term of office serve on any other authority board, commission or
com~ittee of the City of Plainview. All members appointed shall be
a resident of the City of Plainview, Texas, at the time. of their
appointment and during their term of office.. The members of the
Board shall be appointed by the City Council. Two. (2) members of
the ',initial Board appointed by the City Council shall serve until
Deco-amber 31, 1982. Three (3} members of the Board initially
appointed by the City Council shall serve until December 31, 1983.
Thereafter, two (2) members of the Berard shall be appointed by the
Ct~ Council beginning January l in odd numbered years and three
(3)Imembers shall be appointed by the City Council beginning January-
1 in even numbered years. No person shall serve more than two (2)
consecutive terms as a member of the Board. -.Any term of office of
any !member of the Board expiring other than on December 31 in any
year., shall be filled by appointment by the City Council until
December 31 of that year. Each member of the Board shall serve a
term of two (2) years. Three (3) members of the Board shall con-
stitute a quorum. The Board shall act by a majority-vote of those-
present. A Chairman who shall preside over meetings and shall have
the ''same voting rights as other members, shall be selected by the
Board from its membership. One (l) member of the Planning and
Zoning ',Department of-the City of Plainview, one (1) representative
from the Hale County Health Department, and one: (1) representative
of the 'Fire Department of; the City of Plainview, the Code Enforce-
ment Officer of the City of Plainview anal the Director of Public
Safety of the City of Plainview, shall serve as exofficio members
of the Board, but-such members shall not. have any voting rights or
privileges. The Code Enforcement Officer shall ,serve as Secretary
of the Board of Minimum Housing Standards..
Meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the. Chairman and.
at such time as the Board may determine.
Each meeting of the Board shall. be legally posted as required by
Article 6252-_l~.VTCS',and the Mayor, exoffico members .and members
of, the Board shall be notified in writing not less than five (5)
days prior to the date of-any meeting.
Each member of the Board shall attend no less than 75% of the
regular, special or emergency meetings called by the officers
of the Board. The Secretary of the Board shall make a quarterly
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report to the Mayor and City Council showing-the attendance of
each member of the Board. Any representative failing to attend
75~'of the regular, special or emergency meetings legally called
during any calendar year shall be automatically di:squali,fied for
service on the Board and shall be replaced by the City Council.
Should any member of the Board move from the City or otherwise
become disqualified for any reason, he shall vacate the office.
The'Board may adopt reasonable rules ands regulations forcon-
ducting its business. and shall render al.l decisions and findings:
in d~rit.ing to the appellant with a copy to the Code Enforcement
Officer. Appeals to the Board shall be.processed in accordance
with tl~e provisions contained in Sec. H-1201 of this Code. Copies
of dll'rules and regulations adopted by the Board shall be delivered
to the Code Enforcement Officer who shall make them freely accessible
to the public.
Sec'. H-204. No person, firm, or corporation, whether as owner,
lessee, sublessee, or occupant., shall ez'ect, construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, improve, remove, demolish, equip, use., occupy,
or maintain any building or premises, or cause- or permit the same.
to be done.,- contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of
this Code or any order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer here-
under.
Sec, H-205.. Any person violating the provisions of this Section
shall be guilty of a misdemenaor and upc>n conviction thereof shall be
punished by a fine of not to exceed $2OCI.00.
Each such Person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each
and'.. every day or portion thereof during which any such violation is
committed.
CHAPTER 3 - PERMITS AND INS'>PECTIONS
General: Sec. H-301. No person, firm, or.corporati_on shall erect,
construct, enlarge, .alter, repair, move, improve, .remove, convert,
or demolish any building or structure deemed to be substandard under
this Code, or cause or permit the same t:o be done, without first
obtaining a separate building permit for each such building or struc-
ture from the Code Enforcement Officer i.n the manner and according to
.the applicable conditions prescribed in the Uniform Building Code.-
Fee: .Sec.. H-302. Whenever a building permit is required by Section
301 of this Code, the appropriate fees shall be paid to the Code
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Enforcement Officer as adopted by the City of Plainview and in
effect at the time of the issuance of the Building Permit.
Inspection: Sec. H-303. All buildings or ,structures within
the'scope -of this Code and all construct.:ion or.work for which
a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Code
Enfgrcement Officer or his designated representative in accor-
dance with and in the manner provided. by this Code and the
Uniform Building Code.
CHAPTER 4 - DEFINITIC)NS
Sec: H-401. For the purpose of: this.Codle, certain abbreviations,
terms, phrases, words, and their derivatives shall be construed
as specified in the Uniform Building Code.
EFFICIENCY LIVING UNIT. Efficiency living unit is any room having
cooking facilities used for combined living, dining, and sleeping
purposes and meeting the requirements of~ Section H-503 (b), Excep-
tion.
HEALTH OFFICER. Hea th Officer shall be the legally designated
head of the Plainview-Hale County Health Department.
HOT WATER. Fiot water shall b,e water at a temperature of not less
.than 120° F.
NUISANCE., The following shall be defined as nuisances:
(a) Any public nuisance known at common law or in equity
jurisprudence.
(b) Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental to.
children whether in a building, on the premises of a
building, or upon an unoccupied lot. This includes any
abandoned wells, shafts, basennents or excavations;.
abandoned refrigerators and motor vehicles; or any
structurally unsound fences or structures; or any
lumber,_trash, fences, debris or vegetation which may
prove a hazard for inquisitive minors.
(c) Whatever i.s dangerous to human life or is detrimental
to health, as determined by the Health Officer.
(d) Overcrowding a room .with occupants.
{e). Insufficient ventilation or illumination.
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(f) Inadequate or unsanitary sewage or plumbing facilities.
(g) Uncleanliness, as determined k>y the Health Officer.
(h) Whatever .renders air, food, or drink unwholesome or
detrimental to the health of r~uman beings, as deter-
.mined by the Health Officer.
OCCUPIED SPACE.., The total area of all buildings or structures on
any"lot or parcel of ground projected on a horizontal plan excluding
permitted projections as allowed by this, Code.
ROOMING HOUSE.. See Lodging House. (See the Uniform Building Code
for definition.)
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE shall mean .the Uniform Building Code in effect
and adopted by the City of Plainview, Texas at the time of inspection
of the premises.
C~iAP'~ER 5 - SPACE AND OCCUPANCY STANDARDS
Sec. H-501. Access to Public Property. All buildings .shall be
located with respect to property Lines and to other buildings on
the same property as required by the Uniform Building Code. Each
dwelling unit and each guest room in a dwelling or a loding house
hall have access to a passageway, not less than 3 feet in .width,
leading to a public street or alley. Eaich apartment house or hotel
shall have access to a public street by means of a passageway no less-
than 5 feet in width.
Sec. H-502. (a) Scope. This Section shall apply to yards and courts
having required. windows opening therein.
(b) Yards. Every yard shall be not less than 3 feet in width for.
one-story and two story buildings. For buildings more than two
stories`in height the minimum width of t:he yard shall be increased
at the rate of l foot for each additional.story. Where yards com-
~pletely surround the building, the required width may be reduced by
l foot. For buildings exceeding 14 stories in height, the required
dimensions shall be computed on the basis of 14 stories.
Adequate access shall be provided to they bottom of .all courts for
cleani.n,g purposes. Every court more than two stories in height
shall be provided with a horizontal air intake at the bottom not
less than 10 square feet in area and lea.ding,to the exterior of the
building unless abutting'a yard or public space. .The construction
of the air intake shall be as required f`or the court walls of the
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building, but in no case shall be less than one-hour fire-
resstive..
(d):. Projection into Yards. Projections into yards shall comply
with the Uniform Building Code.
Sec. H-502.. (a) Ceiling Heights. Habitable rooms, storage rooms
and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7
feet 6 inchesa Hallway , corridors, measured to the lowest-pro--
jecton from the ceiling.
If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed
ceiling height for the room is required in only one-half the area
thereof. No portion of the room measuring less than 5 feet from
the 'finished floor to the finished ceiling shall be included in
any. computation of the minimum area thereof.
If any room has a furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is
required in two-thirds the area thereof., but in no case shall the
heights of the furred ceiling be less than 7 feet.
(b) Superficial Floor Area. Every dwelling unit shall have at
least one room which shall have not less, than 120 square feet of
superficial floor area. Every room which is used for both cooking
and living or both living and sleeping purposes shall have not less
than 150 square feet of superficial floor area. Every room used
for sleeping purposes shall. have not less than 90 square feet of
superficial floor area. Where more than two persons occupy a room
used for sleeping purposes the required superficial floor area shall
be increased at a rate of 50 square feet: for each occupant in excess
of two.
EXCEPTION: Nothing in this Sectior.~ shall prohibit the
use. of an efficiency living unit meeting the
following requirements:
l.~ The unit shal-l have a living room of not less than 220
square feet of superficial floor area.. An additional 100
. square .feet of superficial floor area shall be provided
for each occupant of such unit in excess of two.
2. The unit. shall b:e provided witYi a separate closet.
3. The unit shall be provided witYi a kitchen sink, .cooking
appliance and refrigeration facilities each having a
clear working space of not less than 30 inches in front.
Light and ventilation conforming to this Code shall be
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provided.
4. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom
containing a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or.
shower.
(c),Width. No habitable room shall be less than 7 feet in any
dimension and no water closet space less than 30 inches in width
and'shall provide a clear space in front: of the water closet not
less than 24 inches.
Sect H-504. (a) Natural Light and Ventilation , All guest rooms,
dormitories, and habitable-.rooms within a dwelling unit shall be
provided with natural light by means of windows or skylights with
an area of not less-than one=tenth of the floor area of such rooms
witk~ a minimum of 12 square feet.
All'bat:hrooms, water closet compartments, laundry rooms, and similar
rooms shall be provided with natural ventilation by means of windows
or skylights with an area of not less than one-tenth of the floor
area of such rooms with a minimum of 3 square feet.
Not''less than one-half, of the required window or skylight area shall
be openable to provide natural ventilation. -
(b)I,Origin of Light and Ventilation Fequired windows shall open
dir~ctly onto a street or public alley car a yard or court located
on the same lot as the building..
E~:CEPTION: Required windows :may open into a roofed porch
where the porch:
1. Abuts astreet, yard, or court; and
2. Has a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet; and
' 3. Has the longer side at least 6~i percent ,open and
unobstructed.
A required window in a service room may open into a vent shaft which
is open and unobstructed to the sky and not less than 4. feet in least
dimension. No vent shaft shall extend through more than two stories.
For ', the purpose of determining light and ventilation requirements,
any '', room may be considered as a portion o.f an adjoining room when
oneThal.f of the area of the common wall.is open and unobstructed and
pro~ides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of
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the interior roo:~ or 25 square-feet, whic:hever is greater,
(e) M,ccha~:ical ventilation. In lieu of c>penable windows for
natural ventilation, a mechanical ventilation system may be
pravi'ded. ~~zch system shall be capable of providing two air
changes pear hour in all guest rooms, dormitories, habitable
'rooms'.., and. in public corridors.., One-fifth of the air supply
shall' be ta?~en from the outside. In batrirooms, .water ,closet
compartments, laundry rooms, .and similar roams, a mechanical
ventilation system connected directly to the outside, capable
of providing five air changes per hour, =>hall be provided.
(d) Hallways. All piabla;c hallways., stairs, and other- exit-
ways',shali be adequately lighted at all times. in accordance:
with the Uniform- Building Code.
Sec. ',H-505. (a) Dwelling Units. Every dwelling .unit shall
be provided with a water closet, a lavatory, and a bathtub
or sower.
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-- (b) Motels. 'fr~here private water closets,. lavatories, and baths _
.are x~ot provided,:;:there-shall be provided<on..each:-floor for each -
sex ~t leash one water closet "and lavatox°y .and one ;bath:.accessikile
fram'',a public ha:Llway. Additional water closets, lavatories, and
-baths shall he provided on each .floor for each sex at the rate of
one ~I,or every additional 10 guests,, or fa:actional,number thereof,
in excess of l0. Such facilities shall be clearly marked for "I~ier~"
Or r'~'1Gme22 i' .
(c} Kitchen. Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a kitchen.
Every kitchen shall be provided witki a kitchen sink. No wooden
sink''or sink of similarly absorbent material' sha11 bepermitted.
(d) Fixtures. All .plumbing fixtures sha_Ll be connected to a sani-
tary',sewer or to an approved private sewage disposal system.. All
plumk?ing fixtures shall be connected to <~n approved system of .water
supply and provided with. hot and. cold .running. water, except water
closets shall be provided with cold wate~~- only. -
`:.All plumbing .fixtures shall be of an approved glassed earthenware
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type',or of a similarly nonabsorbent material.
(e}.T~ater Closet:Compartrhents. Walls and floors of water closet.
Compartments except.-in dwellings shall.b.e finished in accordance
wa_th';the Uniform Building Code.. Water closet compartments in
dwel]%.irfgs shall be finished with apprc~vec~ nonabsorbent materials.'
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(f) Room Separations. Every water closet, bathtub, or shower
required by this Code shall be installed in a room which will
afford privacy to .the occupant. A room in which a water closet
is located shall be separated from floor preparation or storage
rooms kry a tight-fitting door.
(g)'In~tallaton and Maintenance. A11 sanitary facilities shall
be installed and maintained in safe and sanitary condition and
in accordance with-all applicable laws.
CHAPTER 6 - STRUCTURAL RE~!UIREMENTS
Sec. H-601 (a) General.. Buildings or structures may be of any type
of construction permitted by the .Uniform Building Code.- Roofs,
floors, walls, foundations, a.nd all other structural components of
buildings shall be capable of resisting any .and-all forces and loads
to which they may be subjected. All structural elements shall be.
proportioned and joined in accordance with the stress limitations
and ',design criteria as specified in the appropriate sections of the
Uniform Building Code. Buildings of every permitted type of con-
struction shall comply with the applicable .requirements of the Uni-
form Building Code.
(b)',Shelter. Every building shall be weather protected so as to
provide shelter for the occupants against the elements and to exclude
dampness.
(c)',Protection of Materials. All wood shall be protected against
termite damage and decay as provided-in the Uniform Building Code.
CHAPTER 7 - MECHANICAL RE~?UIREMENTS
Sec. H-701. (a) Heating. Every dwelling unit and guest room shall
be provided ~niith hearing facilities capable. of maintaining a room
temperature of 70° F, at a point 3 feet above the floor in all habit-
able rooms. Such facilities shall be installed and maintained in a
safe condition-and in.accordance with ..the Uniform Building .Code. All
heating devices or appliances shall be of an approved type.
(b) Electrical Equipment. All electrical equipment,• wiring, and
appliances shall be installed and maintained `in a safe manner in
accordance with all applicable laws.- All electrical equipment shall
be of an approved type...
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When there is electrical power available: within 300 feet of the
premiss of any building, such building shall be connected to
such electrical power. Every habitable room ..shall contain at
leapt two supplied electric ,light fixtures. Every water closet
.compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, and public
hallway shall contain at-least one supplied electric Light fix-
ture.
(c)'~Ventilaton. Ventilation for rooms and-areas and for fuel-
burx~ing appliances shall be provided as required in the Uniform
Building Code, and in this Code.. Where mechanical ventilation
is provided in lieu of.the natural ventilation required. by Sec-
tion H-504 of this-Code, such mechanical ventilating system shall
be Maintained in operation during the occupancy of any building
or portion thereof.
CHAPTER 8 - EXITS
Seca, H-801. Every dwelling unit or guest room shall have access
directly to the outside or to a public corridor. All buildings or
portions thereof .shall be provided. with exits, exitways, and appur-
tenances as required by the Uniform Building Code.
Every sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one
window or exterior door approved for emergency exit. or rescue, Where
windows are provided they shall have a sill height not more than 48
.inches above the floor.
Windows with an area of not less than 5 square feet with no dimension
less than 22 inches shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this
Section provided sill heights are not 'over 48 inches above the floor.
CHAPTER .9 - FIRE PROTECTION
Sec, H-901. All buildings or portions thereof .shall be provided .with
the 'degrees of fire-resistive construction as required by the Uniform
Building Coder for the appropriate occupancy, type of construction,
and, location on property or in fire zone; and shall be provided with
the appropriate fire-extinguishing system or equipment required by
the Uniform Building Code.
CHAPTER 10 - SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS '
Sec. H-1001. (a) General. Any building or portion thereof including
any dwelyng-unit, guest room or suite of rooms, or the premises on
which the same_is located, in which there exists any of the following
listed conditions to the .extent such condition or conditions endanger
.the life, limb, health., property, safety, or welfare of the public .or
occupants thereof shall be deemed-and hereby is declared to be a sub-
standard building:
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(b}'Ina.dequate Sanitation, which shall include but not. be .limited
to the following:
1. Lack of, or improper water closet, Lavatory,. bath tub or shower
in a,dwelling unit.
2. Lack of, or improper water closets, lavatories.,.and bath tubs
or showers per .number of guests in a. hotel.
3. Lack of, or improper kitchen sink.
4. .Lack of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures in a
-hotel.
5. Lack of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures in a
dwellingumit.
6. Lack of adequate heating facilities.
7. Lack, or improper operation of required ventilating equipment.
8. Lack of minimum amounts of natural light and ventilation required
by this Cade.
9. Room and space dimensions less than required by this Code.
ld. Lack of required electrical lighting.
11. Dampness-of habitable rooms.
12. Infestation of insects, vermin or rodents as determined by the
Health Officer.
13, -General dilapidation ar improper maintenance.
14. Lack of connection to required sewage disposal system.
15. Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal
facilities as determined by the Health Officer...
(c} Structural Hazards, which shall include but nat~be limited to
the. following:
1. Deteriorated or inadequate foundations.
2. Defective or deteriorated..-flooring o;r floor supports.
3. Flooring or floor supports of insufficient size to carry imposed
loads with safety.
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4. Meirtbers of walls, partitions, or otr~er vertical supports that
split, lean, list, or buckle due to defective material or
deterioration.
5. ',Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that
,are of insufficient size to, carry imposed loads with safety.
~6. Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or
',other horizontal members which sag, split, or buckle due to
defective material or deterioration.
7. ,Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or
other horizontal members that are of insufficient size to
carry imposed loads with safety.
~. Fireplaces or chimneys which list, bulge, or settle,-due to
defective material or deterioration.
9. Fireplaces or chimneys which are of insufficient size or
strength to carry imposed loads withi safety.
(d) Nuisance. Any nuisance as defined i.n this Code.
(e) Hazardous Wiring. All wiring, except that which conformed with..
a11'applicable laws in effect at the time of installation ,and which
has been maintained in good condition and is being used. in a safe
manner.
(f) Hazardous Plumbing. All plumbing except that which conformed
with all applicable laws in effect at the time of installation and
which has been maintained in good coedit;ion and which is free of
cross connections and siphonage between fixtures,. and is being used...
in a safe manner.
(g} Hazardous Mechanical Equipment. All. mechanical equipment,.
including vents, except that which conformed with all applicable
laws in effect at the time of installation and which has been
maintained in good and safe condition, a.nd is being used in a safe
manner.
(h} Faulty Weather Protection, which shall include but not be
limited to the following:
l.. Deteriorated, crumbling or loose plaster.
2. Deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls,.roof,
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foundations, or floors, .including broken windows or doors.
3. ,Defective or lack of weather protection for exterior wall
',covering, including lack of paint, c>r weathering due to lack
', of paint or other approved protective covering.
4. Broken, rotted, split, or buckled e~aerior-wall covering or
'roof coverings.
(i)',Fire Hazard. Any building or portion thereof, device, apparatus,
equipment, combustible waste, or vegetation which, in the opinion of
the ',Chief of the Fire Department or his deputy, is in such a condition
as to cause a fire or explosion or provide a ready fuel to augment the
spread and intensity of fire or explosion arising from any cause.
(j)°,Faulty Materials of. Construction. All materials of construction
except those which are specifically allowed or approved by this Code
and '', the Uniform Building .Code, and which have been adequately main-
taimed in good ,and safe condition.
(k)'Hazardous or Unsanitary Premises'. Those,premises on which an
accumulation of weeds, vegetation, junk, dead organic matter, debris,
garage, offal, rate harborages, stagnar,~t water, combustible materials,
and ',similar. materials or condition constitute -fire, health, or safety
hazards.
(1)',Inadequate Maintenance. Any buildings or portion thereof which.
is determined to be an unsafe building i.n accordance with the Uniform
Building Code.
(m)~,Inadequate Exits. All buildings or portion thereof not provided
with adequate- exit facilities as required by this Code except those
buiTdingsor portions thereof whose exit. facilities conformed-with
a11'applicable laws at the time of their construction and which have
been adequately maintained and increased. in: relation to any increase
in occupant load, alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy.
When an unsafe condition exists through lack of, or ,improper location
of exits, additional exits may be required to be installed.
(n) Inadequate Fire-protection or Fire-Fighting Equipment. All
buildings or portions thereof which are not provided with the fire-
resstive construction or fire-extinguishing systems or equipment
...required by this Code,. except those buildings or- portions thereof
which conformed with all applicable laws at the time of their con-
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struction and whose-fire-resistive integrity and fire-extinguish-
ing''systems or equipment. have been adequately maintained-and
improved in relation to any increase in occupant load, alteration
or addition, or any change in occupancy.
(o)Improper Occupancy. All buildings c>r portions thereof occupied
forlliv~ing, sleeping, cooking, or dining purposes which were. not
designed or intended to be used for such occupancies.
CHAPTER 11
NOTICES AND ORDERS OF THE CODE ENE'ORCEMENT OFFICER
Sec. H-1101.
(a),Commencement of Proceedings. Whenever the Code Enforcement
Office has inspected or caused to be inspected any building and has
found a.nd_determined that such building is a substandard building,
he shall commence .proceedings to cause the repair,.rehabilitation,
vacation, or demolition of the building.
(b),Notice and. Order. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a
notice and order directed to the record owner o€ the building. The
notice and order shall contain:.
l._ The street address and a legal description sufficient for iden-
tification of the~premses upon which the building is located.
2. A statement that the Code Enforcement C)fficer has. found the building
to be substandard with a.brief and concise description of the
conditions found to render the building dangerous under the
provisions. of Section H-202 of this Code.
3. A statement of the action required to be taken as. determined by
the Code Enforcement Officer.
(i) If the Code Enforcement Officer has determined that the
building or structure. must be repaired, the order shall
require that all required permits k~e secured therefor
and the wor}~ physically commenced within such time (not
to exceed 60 days from the date of the order) and com-
pleted within such time as the Code Enforcement Officer
shall determine is reasonable under all of the circum-
stances.
(ii) If the Code Enforcement Officer has determined that the
-building or structure must be vacated, the order ,hall
require that the building, or structure shall be vacated
cai.thin a time certain from the date of the order as
.determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be
.reasonable.
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(iii) If the Code. Enforcement Officer has determined that
the building or .structure must: be demolished, the order
shall require that the building be vacated within, such
.time as the Code Enforcement Officer shall determine
reasonable (not to .exceed 60 days from the date of the
order); that all required permits be secured therefor
`within 60 days from the date of the order, and that the
demolition be completed within such time as the Cade
..Enforcement Officer shall determine is reasonable.
4. Statements advising that if any requiired repair or demolition work
{without vacation also being required) is not commenced. within the
time specified, the Code Enforcement. Officer (i) will order the
building vacated and- posted to prevent further occupancy until the
work is completed and (ii) may proae:ed to cause the work to be done
and charge the costs thereof against. the property or its owner.
5. Statements advising {i) that any person having any record; title
or legal ,interest in the building ma.y appeal from the notice and
order or .any action of the code enforcement officer to the Board
of Minimum Housing Standards, provided the appeal is made in
writing as provided in this. Code and. filed with the Code Enforce-
merit Officer within thirty (30) days from the date of service of
such notice and order, and (ii) that failure to appeal will con-
stitute a wavier of all right to an administrative hearing and
determination of the matter.
(c) Service Hof Notice and Order. The, notice and order, and any
amended. or supplemental notice and order, shall be served upon the
record owner, and the following if known to the Code Enforcement
Officer or disclosed from the official public records: the holder
of any mortgage or deed of trust or other lien or encumbrance 'of
record; the owner or holder of .any lease of record; and the holder
of any other estate or legal interest of record in or to the. building
or the land on which it is located. The failure of the Code Enforce-
ment Officer. to serve any .person required herein to be served-shall
not invalidate any proceedings hereunder as to any other person duly
served or relieve any such person from any duty or obligation imposed
on him by the provisions of this Section.
(d) Method of Service. Service of the notice-and order shall be made
upon all persons entitled thereto eitherpersonaily or by mailing a
copy of such notice: and order by certified mail, postage prepaid,
return receipt requested, to each such person at his address as it.
appears on the last equalized assessment roll of the county or as
known to the Code Enforcement Officer, then a copy of the notice and
order shall be so mailed to such person, at the address of the building
involved in the proceedings. The failure of any such person .to receive
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such notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken
under this Section. Service by certified mail in the manner herein
.provided shall be effective on the. date of mailing.
- (e)'Praof of Service. Proof of ;service of the notice and order shall
be certified to at the time of service by a written declaration under
penalty of perjury executed by -the person effecting service, declaring
the time, date, and mariner in which service was made. The .declaration,
together with any receipt card returned in acknowledgment o.f receipt
by certified mail shall be affixed to the copy of the notice and order
retained by the Code Enforcement Officer,
Sec. H-1102.
(a)',Sta.ndards to be Followed. The following, standards shall be followed
by the Code Enforcement Officer and by the Board of Minimum Housing
Standards (if an :appeal is taken) in ordering the repair, vacation or
demolition of any .substandard building or structure:
1. If any building declared a substandard building under this
'ordinance shall either be repaired i.n accordance with the
(current Uniform Building Code and al,l applicable City Codes-
'or_shall be demolished at the option. of the building owner.
2. If the building or structure is in such condition. as to make
it-immediately dangerous to the life:, limb, property or safety
of the public or of the occupants, it shall be ordered to be
'vacated.
Sec. H-1103.
(a)'Posting. Every notice to vacate shall, in addition to being.
served as provided in Section H-1101(c), be posted at or upon each
exit of the building,,-.and shall be in substantially the following
form:
"DO NOT El`1TER
UNSAFE TO OCCUPY _
It is a misdemeanor to occupy this building..
or to remove or deface this notice.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
City of Plainview, Texas"
(b) Compliance. Whenever such notice is posted,. the-Code Enforcement
Officer shawl include a notification thereof in the notice and order
issued by him under Subsection (b) of Section H-1101, reciting'the
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the emergency and specifying the eonditi.on which necessitate the
posting. No person shall remove or deface any such notice after it
is posted until the required repairs, demolition or removal have been
completed pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Building Code.
Any person violating this Subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and~upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more
than $200.00.
CHAPTER 12 - APPEAL.
Sec. H-1201.
(a),Form of A pp cal. Any person entitled. to service under Section
H-1101 (c) may appeal from any notice and'. order of any action of the-
Code Enforcement Officer under this Code by filing at the office of
the Code Enforcement-Officer within 30 days from the date of the.
service of such. order a written appeal e,ontaining:
1. A heading in the words: "Before the: Board of Minimum Housing
Standards of the City of Plainview".
2: P; caption reading: "Appeal of ," giving the-names
of all appellants participating in the appeal.
3. A brief statement setting forth the. legal interest of each of
'the appellants in the .building or. th.e. land involved in the notice
and order.
4. 'A brief statement in ordinary and concise language-of that speci-
e. fic order or action protested, together with any material facts
claimed to support. the contentions of-the appellant.
5. A-brief statement in ordinary and concise language of the relief
sought, and the reasons why it is claimed. the protested order or
action should be reversed, modified or otherwise set aside.
6. The signatures of a].l parties named as appellants, and. their
official mailing addresses.
7. The verification (by declaration under penalty or perjury) of
at least one appellant as to the truth of the matters stated
in the appeal.
(b) Processing of Appeal. Upon receipt of `any appeal filed pursuant
to this section, the Code Enforcement Officer shall present it at the
.next regular or special meeting of the Board of Minimum Housing Stan-
dards.
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Sec.... 1201 (c) Scheduling and Noticing Appeal for Hearing.. As soon
as prarticable after receiving the written. appeal, the Board of
Minimum Housing Standards shall-fix a date, .time, and place for
the', hearing of the appeal by the Board. Such date shall not be
less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days. from the date
the appeal was filed with .the Board of Minimum Housing Standards.
Written notice of .the time and place of the hearing shall be given
at least ten (10) days prior to the d'atE: of the hearing to each
appellant by the Secretary of the °Board either by causing a copy of
such notice to be delivered to the appellant personally os by mail-
ing'a copy thereof, postage prepaid, addressed to the appellant at
his', address shown on the appeal.
Sec. H-1202. Liailure of any person- to file an appeal in accordance
with the provisions of"Sec. H-1101 and H-1201 shall constitute a waiver
of his right to an administrative hearing and adjudication of the
notice and order, or to any portion thereof,
Sec, H-•1203. Only those matters or issl~es ,specifically raised by
the'appelant shall be considered in the hearing of the appeal..
Sec: H--1204.. Except for vacation orders made pursuant to Section H-1102,
enforcement.of any no ice and order of the Building Official issued under
this Code, shall. be stayed during pender-cy of an appeal. therefrom which
is properly and timely filed..
CFIAPTER_13 - PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT OF HEARING APPEALS
Sec. H-1301.
(a) Record. A record of the entire proceedings shall be made by tape
recording, or by any other means of permanent recording determined to
be appropriate by the Board.
(b) Reporting. The proceedings at the Yearing shall also be reported
by a phonographic reporter if requested by any party thereto. A.tran-
script of the proceedings shall be made available to all parties upon
request and upon payment of the fee prescribed therefor. Such fees may
be established by the Board,. but shall i.n no event be greater than the
cost involved.
(c) Corxtinuances. The Board may grant continuances for-good cause
shown. _
(d) Oaths - Certification. In any proceedings under this Chapter,
the Board, or any Board member .has the power to administer oaths
and affirmations and to certify to official acts.
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(e) Reasonable Dispatch. The Board and its representatives shall
.proceed with reasonable dispatch to conclude any matter before it.
Due, regard shall be shown for the convenience and necessity of any
parties or their representatives.
Sect H--1302. The notice to appellant shall be .substantially in
the'fo]_lowin.g form, but may include. other information:
"You are hereby notified that a hearing-will be held before
the .Board of Minimum Housing Standards. of the City of Plain-
view, Texas, at on the. day of I9 ,.
at he hour , upon the notice and order served upon
you. You may be present at the hearing.- You may be, but
need not be, represented by counsel... You may present any
relevant evidence and will. be given full opportunity to
cross-examine all witnesses testifying against you. You
may request the issuance of subpoenas to compel the.atten-
dance of witnesses and .the production of books,, documents
or other things by filing an affidavit therefore-with the-
Board of Minimum Housing Standards.,"
Secy. H--1303. (a) Rules. Hearings need not be conducted according
to the. technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses.
(b)',Oral Evidence. Oral :evidence shall.be taken only on oath or
affirmation.
(c),Hearsay Evidence. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose
of supplementing or explaining any direc;t evidence, but shall not be
sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible
over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jur:isdi.ction in
this state.
(d)IAdmssibilty of Evidence. Any relEwant evidence ,shall be admitted..
if it is the type of evidence on which z~esponsible persons .are accustomed
to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardlessof the existence of
any common law or statutory rule.. which might make improper the admission
of such evidence over objection in civi]. actions in courts of competent
jurisdiction in this. state.
(e),Exr.Iusion of Evidence.. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence
shall be excluded.
(f) Rights of Parties.. Each party shal]_ have these rights., among others:
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1'. To call and examine .witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues
of the hearing. '
2. To introduce .documentary and physical evidence.
. 3. To cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the
issues of the hearing.
4. '; To impeach. any witness regardless of` which party first called him
'to testifya
5. To rebut the evidence against him.
6. To represent himself or to be represented by anyone.of his. choice
who is lawfully permitted .to do so.
(f) Official Notice.
1. 'Wha.t may be noticed. In reaching a decision, official notice may
'be taken,. either before or after submission of the case for deci-
sian, of any fact which may be judicially noticed by the courts of
-this state--or of of.faial -records-o.f he.Board of Departments and
ordinances of the city or rules and regulations of the Board.
2. -Parties to be notified. Parties present at the hearing shall be
informed of the matters to be noticed and these matters shall be
noted in the record, referred to therein, or appended thereto.
3. Opportunity to refute.. Parties present. at the hearing shall be
given a reasonable opportunity, on request, to refute the offi-
cially noticed matters by evidence oar by written or oral presen-
tation of .authority, the manner of such refutation to be determined
by the Board.
4. Inspection of the premises. -.The Board may inspect any building or
premises ir~nolved in the appeal during the course of the hearing,
provided that {i) notice of such inspection shall be given to the
.parties before the inspection is made, (i.i) the parties are given
an opportunity to be present during the inspection and (iii). the
Board. shall state for the record upon completion of the inspection
the material facts observed and the conclusions -drawn therefrom.
Each party then shall have a right to .rebut or explain the matters
so stated by the Board.
Sec. H-1304. (a) Hearing before the Board Itself. Where a contested
case is heard before. the Board itself, no member thereof who did not
hear. the evidence or•has not read the entire record of the proceedings
shall vote on or take part in the decision.
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(g),Form of decision. The decision shal_1 be in writing and
shall. contain findings of fact,~a determination of the issues
presented, and the requirements to be complied with. A copy
of the decision-shall be delivered to tree appellant personally
or sent to him by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested.,
(h)',Effective Date of decision. The effective date of the .decision
shall be as stated therein.
CHAPTER 14 - ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDER OF
THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR
.THE BOARL7 OF MINIMUM HOUSIZ\fG STANDARDS
Sec. H-1401.. (a) General.- After any order of the Code Enforcement
Officer or-the Board of Minimum Housing Standards made pursuant to'
this Code .shall become final, no person to whom any such order. is
directed shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any such order. Any
such person who fails to comply with any such order is guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon convic ion thereof 'such person shall be punished
by a fine-of natmore han $200.00.
Sec; H-1401. (b) Failure to Obey Order. If, after any order of the
Code Enforcement Officer or Board of Minimum Housing Standards made
pursuant to this Code .has become final, the person to whom such order
is directed shall fail, neglect or refuse to obey such order, the code
Enforcement Officer may O cause such person to be prose-cuted under
Subsection (a) of this Section or (ii) institute any appropriate
action to abate. such building as a public nuisance.
Sec, H-1401. {c) Failure to commence work. Whenever the required
repair or demolition is not commenced within 30 days after any .final.
notice and order issued under this .Code becomes effecitve:
1. The Code. Enforcement Officer shall cause the building described
in such notice and order .to be vacated. by posting at each entrance
thereto a notice reading:
"SUBSTANDARD-BUILDING
DO NOT OCCUPY
It is a misdemeanor to occupy this
.building or to remove or deface this
notice.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
CITY OF PLP_INVIEW, TEXAS"
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2. 'No person. shall occupy any building which has been posted as
specified in this Subsection. No person shall remove or deface
any such notice so posted until the repairs, demolition or
removal ordered by the. Code Enforcement Officer have been
completed pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Building
Code.
Sec.. H-1402.. Upon receipt of an applicaaion from the person required
to conform to the order and an agreement. by such person that he will
comply with the order if allowed additional time, the Code Enforcement
Officer may, in his discretion, grant an. extension of time, not to
.exceed an additi-oval 120 days, within which to complete said repair,
rehabilitation, or demolition, if the Code Enforcement Officer deter-
mines that -such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a
situation imminently dangerous to life or property. The Code Enforce-
ment Officer's authority to extend time is limited to the physical.
repair., rehabilitation or demolition of the premises and will not in
any ',way affect or extend the time to appeal his notice and order..
Sec .j H-1403. No person shall obstruct, impede or interfere with any
officer, employee, contractor or authorized representative of the.-City,
or with any person who owns or holds any estate or interest in any
building which has been ordered repaired, vacated or demolished under
theprovsions of this Code, whenever such officer, employee,, contractor
or authorized representative of the City, person having. an interest or
estate in such building or structure, or purchaser is engaged in the
wo-rk of repairing, vacs ing .and.reparing, or.demolishing any such
building pursuant to the provisions of this.Code, or in performing any
necessary act preliminary to or incidental to such work or authorized
or d'~irected pursuant to .this Code.
Sec.', H-1404. Any person who is aggrieved by the actions taken under the
provisions of the ordinance after he has exhausted his administrative
remedy as provided herein, may file suit in the District Court of Hale .
County, Texas., in the nature of an .appeal from the action of the commis-
sion) within 15 days, in which appeal questions presented to .the said
District Court the .substantial evidence :rule shall prevail, except the
quesltion of whether or not the premises is a nuisance, which said ques-
tion~, of .whether or not a nuisance exists shall be tried by the District
Count do novo.
CHAPTER 15
PERFORMANCE OF DEMOLITION_OR OTHER .WORK
Sec. H-1501. (a} Procedure. When any demolition or other work is to
be done pursuant to Section H-1401(c) of this Code, the Code Enforce-
ment,Officer shall cause the-work to be ~~ccomplished by City personnel
or b~ private contract under the direction of the Code Enforcement
Officer. Plans and specifications therefor may be prepared by the
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Cod Enforcement Officer or fie may employ such architectural and
engineering assistance .on a contract basis as he may deem reasonably
: necessary.
Sec's. H--1501 (b) Costs. The cost of such work shall be paid from the
Specia]L Projects-Fund established for t~iat purpose, and such cost
shad he made a special assessment against the property involved.
Sec',. H--1502. Demolition Fund.
(a)',General. The City Council shall establish a Special Projects
Fund for the payments of abatement costs. Payments shall be made
from said fund upon-the demand of the Code Enforcement Officer with
thejapproval. of the Director. of Public Safety to defray the costs
and',expenses which may be incurred by the City in doing or causing
to be done the necessary demolition and related labors.
(b)"!,Maintenance of Fund. The City Coun<:il-may at any time transfer.
to this Special Projects Fund,-from any money in the General Fund of
the~~Cty, such sums as it may deem necessary to expedite the perfor-
maoe of the work of abatement. All proceeds received in payment .for
forty expended from this Special Project=s Fund, as hereinafter provided
~, shall be paid to and deposited in the General Fund of the City.
CHAPTER 16 .
RECOVERY OF COST OF DEMOLITTON~OR OTHER WORK
Account- of Expense, Filing of Statements Contents
Sec's H--1601. The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep an itemized
account of the expense incurred by the .City for demolition or removal
of ~ny structure and the cleaning of the lot where the structure was
looted, pursuant to the provisions of .Section H-1401 (c) of this Code,
as amended. Upon completion of this abatement, the Code Enforcement
Officer shall prepare a statement specifying the work done, the
itei!nized and total cost of the work, a description of the real property
upo~ which the structure was located, and the names and addresses of
the persons entitled to notice pursuant to Section H-1104(c).of this
Code, as amended.
Repprt Transmitted-to Mayor
Sec's H-1602. Upon.-completion of this statement it shall be sent to
the Mayor for his signature thereon,. whereupon it shall then. be recorded
with. the County Clerk as an assessment against and a-lien upon the pro-
Per~Y
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Lien of Assessment
Sec; H-1603 (a) Priority. Immediately u~~on recordation, the amount
assessed shall be payable and. the assessment shall be a lien against
the ',parcel of ]_and where the work was performed and against any re=
mairiing improvements thereon. The lien shall be subordinate only to
tax;'lians and liens to secure the cost of street improvements after
the~b have been. made
(b)!,Interest. All such assessments remaining unpaid after 30 days.
fro the date of recordation shall become delinquent and shall bear
interest at therate of ten (10) percent. per annum from and after
said date
Collections of Assessment: Penalties for Foreclosure
Sect H-160.4. For any such expenditures and interest, as aforesaid,
suit ma.y be instituted and foreclosure had in the name of the City .
of Plainview; and the statements so made, as aforesaid, or a certi-
fie cagy thereof, shall be.prima facie proof. of the amount expended
in ny such work.
Repayment of Money Expend
Sect H-1605. All money recovered by.payment of the charge or assess-
ment, including any interest thereon,- or from the sale of the property .
at foreclosure sale shall be paid to the City Treasurer who shall credit
thelsame to the General Fund.
CHAPTER 17
CODE ENFOCEMENT SEARCH WP.~RRANTS
Sec! H-1701
i
(a)',Definitions.
MAG~STFtATE: Shall mean those individuals specified in Article 2.09
of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, except the Mayor of the.Ciay
of Plainview, Texas.
INSPECTOR: Shall mean any official inspector for any department .of the
CitT Plainview, Texas, which is charged with code enforcement.
SEA~tCH WARRANT: Shall mean a written oY~der, issued by the magistrate
and!~directed to any inspector, as defined in this section, commanding
himto any specified. premises to determine the presence of a violation-
or iol.ations of any ordinance or ordina~n.ces of the City of Plainview,
Tex~s.
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(b)'Warrants Authorized. Except as provided herein, inspectors
are hereby authorized and dixected to seek and obtain search warrants
from the magistrate, as provided in this'. ordinance,, before making any
inspection incidental tq the enforcement. of the provisions of any
ordinance of the City of Plainview. The: magistrate is hereby authorized
to issue such warrants subject to the requirements of this ordinance.
(c)',Warrants Not Required. Search warrants shall not be required under
the following circumstances:
(1) when permission to inspect has been granted by someone
apparently. having charge or control of those premises; for
the purpose of this subsection, permission to inspect may
be granted either verballyf in writing•or by some other
action indicating consent; or
(2) when there exists an imminent danger or peril to human
life, limb or property and any delays resulting from the.
application for a search warrant would materially increase
likelihood of loss from such danger or peril, or
(3) when, the inspection can be executed by a person who is-
an invitee on premises held open to the general public,- for
the purposes of this subsection a person ceases to be an
invitee when he has been instructed to leave the premises or
otherwise terminate his inspection .by someone. having charge
or control of those premises.
(d) Probable Cause. No search warrant shall be issued pursuant to
this chapter except on the presentation of evidence of probable cause
to believe that a violation or violations are present in the premises
sought to be inspected. In determining probable cause, the magistrate
is not limited to evidence of specific knowledge, but may consider any
of the following.:
(1) the age and general condition .of the premises;
(2) previous violations or hazards found present in the
premises;
(3) the type of premises;
(4) the purposes for which the premises are used; and
(5) the presence of hazards or violations in the general
condition`of premises near the premises sought to be
inspected.
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i),Affidavit Required. A sworn affidavit setting forth substantial.
fa-ets owards establishing probable. cause shall be filed in every
instance in which a search warrant is requested.
~-t)'Warrant Formalities: A search warrant issued pursuant to this
ordinance shall be sufficient if it contains the following requisites:
(l) that it run in the name of "Th,e State of Texas";
(2) that it identify, as near as may be, the premises
to be inspected;
(3) that it command an inspector to inspect forthwith-
th~e premises described; and
(4) that it be dated and signed by the magistrate.
(k)~,Execution of Warrants. An inspector to whom a search warrant is
delivered shall execute it without delay and .forthwith return it to
the magistrate. It must be executed within three (3} days from the
time of its issuance and,.shall be exeuct;ed within a shorter period if
s-o directed in the warrant by the magistrate. The inspector shall,
upon going to the place ordered to be. inspected, give notice of his
purpose-to the person who .has charge of or is an occupant of-the place
des~ribed in the warrant. If such persons cannot be found, .upon execu-
tion of the search warrant, a copy of said warrant shall be affixed to
the~lfront door of the building or premises inspected. In every instance,
entry shall be effected using the minimum force necessary according to
the'cirGUmstances.
{1}!,Days Allowed for Warrant to Run. The time allowed for the execution
of a search warrant shall be three (3) v,rhole days, exlusive of the day of
its~',i.ssuance and of the day of`its execution.. The magistrate issuing a
search warrant under .the provisions of i.his ordinance .shall endorse on
such search warrant the date and hour o1E the issuance of the same..
(m)',Power.of Inspector Executing Warranit. In the execution of a search
warrant, the inspector may call to 'his <~id any number of citizens in this
city, who shall be bound to aid in the execution of the same.
(n)INo Power to Seize Tangible Goads or Make Arrests. The execution of
a s, arch warrant issued pursuant to this ordinance shall not include
anylauthority to make. arrests or to seize tangible goods of a violation.
(o)'~,How Return is Made. Upon returning the search warrant, the :inspector
shalIll state on the back of .the same, or on some paper attached to it, the
rnanlner in which it has been executed .and shall likewise deliver to the
magistrate a copy of the report resulting-from that inspection.
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(p}',Records to be Kept. The magistrate shall keep a record of all
proceedings had before him in the cases of search warrants as a part
of the official records of his court.
(q)',Con.flicts. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to con-.
flirt with any state or federal law and shall be in addition. to any
rigk~ts .granted thereby.
Sec: H-1702. Any. person interfering with the execution of a lawful
search warrant issued pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not
to Exceed two hundred dollars. ($200.00}, Each day such violation
is committed or permitted. to continue shrall constitute a separate
offense, and shall be punishable as such hereunder.
SECTION .H°1801. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflict-
inglor,inconsistant with the provisions of this amendment of the Housing
Code hereby adopted are hereby repealed.
SECTION H--1901. .Should any section,. paragraph,- sentence or clause
ar word of this ordinance or of the Housing Code as amended hereby, be
declared unsonstitutional or invalid for. any reason, the remainder of
this ordinance and of the Housing .Code as amended hereby shall not be
affected.
SECTION H~2001. 'The City Secretary is hereby authorized and
directed to cause the publication of thE: descriptive caption of this
amendment together with the penalty proviso s of said nonce. This
Ordnance shall become effective on the,day of U~~.(~ ,
1983, after its passage-and publication as required by law. ~1
PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST READING THIS ~ DAY OF
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SECOND READ]CNG THIS e¢~~ DAY, OF
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ATTEST
WALTER S. DODSON, CITY CLERK
City of .Plainview, Texas
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City of Plainview, Texas.