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.Neighborhood Nuisance Handbook Page 7 of 17 BUILDING LACKING BASIC FACILITIES A building lacks basic facilities when the building does not have water, hot water, electricity, natural gas, heating, or sewage disposal systems; when the existing systems are unsafe; or when the utilities have been shut off for any reason (see CONDEMNATION). CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY All commercial and industrial buildings and all residential buildings with 3 or more dwelling units must have a Certificate of Occupancy (C of 0) issued by the Fire Department posted on the premises. The C of 0 shows that the building is in compliance with applicable fire, building, housing and other codes. C of 0 is a systematic inspection program, unlike other City programs which inspect in response to complaints. Some commercial buildings are inspected annually while most are inspected on a two- year cycle. Residential buildings are also inspected on a two-year cycle. However, Fire Prevention will also inspect a building between scheduled inspections if complaints of violations are received. If violations are found during an inspection, orders will be issued to correct the violations. The C of o can be revoked for severe violations which are not corrected. A building cannot be occupied or used if the C of 0 has been revoked. Call Fire Prevention (228-6230) if you have questions about whether a building should have a C of 0 or for complaints. CONDEMNATION, UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION, HAZARDOUS If a building is immediately dangerous to public health and safety, the City can condemn it on an emergency basis. A building that is "hazardous," but has not reached the status of "dangerous" mayor may not be condemned as being unfit for human habitation. A condemned building cannot be occupied or used until the conditions which caused the condemnation are corrected. If it is occupied when it is condemned, it must be vacated promptly. The owner of a condemned building retains title and responsibility for the building. It is not the same as a unit of government taking title to a building under eminent domain and compensating the owner. The City posts a cardboard sign (placard) on a condemned building which stating which City department condemned it, the date it must become vacant, an order for it to remain vacant until the violations are corrected, and the penalties for removing or defacing the placard. A building may be condemned if it is: Extremely dilapidated, damaged or deteriorated, so that it is likely to collapse or becomes an attractive nuisance. A fire hazard; A severe health hazard; Infested with rodent or vermin; Lacking in basic facilities such as water, gas, electricity and heat; or In violation of other code requirements which make it dangerous to the occupants or to the public.If you believe that a building is sufficiently hazardous or unfit for human habitation that it should be condemned, or if you see that a condemned building is being occupied call: Public Health (292-7771) if it is a 1 or 2 unit residential building; Fire Prevention (228-6230) if it is a 3 or more unit residential building, commercial or industrial building. CRIMINAL PROSECUTION http://www . stpaul.gov/council/handbook.html 07/06/1999