Ord 1824 - Urgency Ordinance Establishing the Los Gatos Abatement Program for the Mitigation of Structural Hazards

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ORDINANCE 1824 URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ESTABLISHING THE LOS GATOS ABATEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MITIGATION OF STRUCTURAL HAZARDS WHEREAS, conditions of peril to the safety of persons and property remain unabated since the earthquake that occurred on October 17, 1989; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to suspend any section of the Town Code, Uniform Code For The Abatement of Dangerous Buildings or Urgency Ordinance 1800 that is inconsistent with the intent and purpose of this urgency ordinance; and WHEREAS, numerous structures within the Town limits have suffered damage caused by the earthquake and continue to pose a threat to public safety due to structural defects or attractive nuisance; and WHEREAS, said damaged structures are continuing to deteriorate due to natural elements and the owners of these structures are in need of assistance in abatement or mitigation of such concerns; and WHEREAS, such damaged structures are having a negative effect on business operations, business recovery and property values; and WHEREAS, certain structures are endangering pedestrian safety and encroach in Public Right of Ways; and WHEREAS, on October 22, 1989 the Town Council expressed the policy of the Town to encourage restoration of damaged structures so that the Town may return to its appearance as existed prior to the earthquake, to facilitate said restoration, preserve historic buildings and increase public safety. THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN: SECTION I PURPOSE AND INTENT This urgency Ordinance is intended to establish procedures and regulations for the abatement of structural hazards as a result of the earthquake that occurred on October 17, 1989 or the aftershocks that occurred subsequent to the main earthquake (hereafter "earthquake "). The purpose of this Urgency Ordinance is to provide for increased community safety through the abatement of hazardous structures (or conditions) caused by the earthquake. All reasonable efforts shall be made to not negatively impact restoration and reconstruction and, whenever possible, effect actions consistent with building preservation and public safety.