§ 5-196. Authority to repair, close or demolish unfit or unsafe dwellings; application to private property whereon is created health hazards or general nuisances.

(a)

When it is found and declared by the governing authority of the City of Port Wentworth that in the city there is the existence or occupancy of dwellings or other buildings or structures that are unfit for human habitation or for commercial, industrial or business occupancy or use and such are inimical to the welfare and are dangerous and injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the people of this city; and when it is found and declared by the governing authority of the city that a public necessity exists for the repair, closing or demolition of such dwellings, buildings or structures; and when it is found and declared by the governing authority of the city that in the city there is in existence a condition or use or real estate that renders adjacent real estate unsafe or inimical to safe human habitation, such use is dangerous and injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the people of this city and a public necessity exists for the repair of such condition or the cessation of such use that renders the adjacent real estate unsafe or inimical to safe human habitation; and when it is found and declared by the governing authority of the city that there exists in the city dwellings, buildings or structures that are unfit for human habitation or for commercial, industrial or business uses due to dilapidation and defects increasing the hazards of fire, accident or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; or other conditions rendering such dwellings, buildings or structures unsafe or unsanitary, or dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or welfare, or otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of the city, power is conferred upon the City of Port Wentworth to exercise its police power to repair, close or demolish such dwellings, buildings or structures in the manner provided by law (O.C.G.A. §§ 41-2-8—41-2-17).

(b)

All the provisions contained in O.C.G.A. §§ 41-2-8—41-2-17 shall be applied also to provide property in the City of Port Wentworth where an accumulation of weeds, trash, junk, filth and other unsanitary or unsafe conditions shall create a public health hazard or a general nuisance to those residents of the city residing in the vicinity. A finding by the governing authority of the city or the building inspector that such property is a health or safety hazard shall constitute prima facie evidence that said property is in violation of the laws of the city and the state, and the city shall exercise its police powers to abate said health or safety hazards.

(Ord. No. 89-2, 4-28-89)