§ 179.106. Security and additional maintenance requirements.

(a)

Properties subject to this Chapter shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons.

(b)

A "secure manner" shall include, but not be limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors, gates and other openings of such size that may allow a child or adult to access the interior of the property and/or structure. Broken windows shall be secured by reglazing or boarding. Vacant properties shall be secured in the manner provided in Ch. 518, Ordinance Code, for securing properties.

(c)

If a Defaulted property becomes Vacant, a Property Manager shall be designated by the Mortgagee to perform the work necessary to bring the property into compliance with the Ordinance Code and the Property Manager must perform regular inspections to verify continued compliance with the requirements of this section, and any other applicable laws or ordinances of the City of Jacksonville. This obligation shall remain in effect while the property remains under the control of the Mortgagee.

(d)

When a property subject to this Chapter becomes Vacant, it shall be posted with the name and 24-hour contact telephone number of the Property Manager. The Property Manager shall be available to be contacted by the City Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., legal holidays excepted. The sign shall be placed in a window facing the street and shall be visible from the street. The posting shall be no less than 18 inches by 24 inches and shall be of a font that is legible from a distance of 45 feet. The posting shall contain the following language with supporting information:

THIS PROPERTY IS MANAGED BY _____ .

AND IS INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS.

THE PROPERTY MANAGER CAN BE CONTACTED
BY TELEPHONE AT _____
OR BY EMAIL AT _____ .

(e)

The posting required in subsection (d) above shall be placed on the interior of a window facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street, or secured to the exterior of the building/structure facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street or if no such area exists, on a stake of sufficient size to support the posting in a location that is at all times visible from the street to the front of the property but not readily accessible to vandals. Exterior posting shall be constructed of and printed with weather-resistant materials.

(f)

Failure of the Mortgagee and/or property owner of record to properly inspect and secure a property subject to this Chapter, and post and maintain the signage noted in this section, is unlawful and a Class C violation and shall be subject to enforcement by any of the enforcement means available to the City of Jacksonville. Pursuant to a finding and determination, the City of Jacksonville may take the necessary action to ensure compliance with this section, and recover costs and expenses in support thereof.

(g)

In addition to the late fees authorized in Section 179.104(i), above, failure of the Mortgagee to register a property pursuant to this Chapter or for any other violation of this Chapter shall also authorize the City to impose a civil penalty in the amount up to $500 against the Mortgagee for each offense, with each day the violation is allowed to continue constituting a separate offense. Upon written notice of noncompliance from the City or its designee, the Mortgagee shall have 30 days from the date of the notice of noncompliance to register the Defaulted property and pay the registration fee and any additional fees or costs (such as any accrued late fee or costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the City to abate code violations) or correct any other violation of this Chapter. If the Mortgagee fails to timely register the Defaulted property and make these payments within the time allotted above, the City, through its Neighborhoods Department staff, shall be authorized to pursue enforcement against the Mortgagee or any other responsible party through the Special Magistrate/Code Enforcement Board process or by initiating an action in the appropriate jurisdictional court to collect the penalties, fees and expenses authorized in this Chapter. In any court action, the City shall be authorized to recover its reasonable attorney's fees and costs expended in establishing the violation. The provisions of this section are cumulative with and in addition to other available remedies.

(Ord. 2010-327-E, § 2; Ord. 2015-340-E , § 2; Ord. 2018-104-E , § 1)