A. Notices and orders. The building official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this code and the technical codes pursuant to VMC Title 22.

B. Stop work orders. When work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, the technical codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code, the building official may order the work stopped by a notice in writing served on persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done and such persons shall forthwith stop the work until authorized by the building official to proceed with the work. Stop work orders shall be issued pursuant to VMC Title 22. Any person who knowingly proceeds to do construction related work in violation of any stop work order is subject to the enforcement process provided in VMC Title 22.

C. Occupancy violations. When a site, building or structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this code and the technical codes is being improperly installed, maintained, occupied or unsafely used contrary to the provisions of such codes, the building official may order such use discontinued by written notice served on any person causing such use to be continued. Such person shall discontinue the use within the time prescribed by the building official after receipt of such notice. Any person who knowingly proceeds to occupy or use any site, building, structure or building service equipment in violation of any written notice is subject to the enforcement process in VMC Title 22.

D. Authority to order utilities disconnected. The building official shall have the authority to order the utility service or energy supplied to any building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this code or the technical codes be immediately disconnected when necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The building official shall whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner and occupant of the building structure or building service equipment of such decisions to disconnect prior to taking such action and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure, or building service equipment in writing of such disconnection immediately thereafter. Such notice shall be in conformance with VMC Title 22.

E. Authority to condemn. When the building official ascertains that building service equipment, building, structure or site, regulated in the technical codes has become hazardous to life, health or property, or has become unsanitary, the building official shall order in writing that such building service equipment, building, structure or site, either be removed or restored to a safe and/or sanitary condition as appropriate. Such notice shall be in conformance with VMC Title 22. The written notice shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. The building official may prohibit and/or limit the use of the building service equipment, building, structure, or site until the required repairs are completed and the work has been inspected and approved by the city. (Ord. M-4079 §7, 2014)