A.    Vacating Structures. When, in the opinion of the mayor, there is actual and immediate danger of failure or collapse of a structure which would endanger life, or when any structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupancy of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or use of defective or dangerous equipment, the mayor is authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. He shall cause to be posted at the main entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows: "This structure is unsafe and its use or occupancy has been prohibited by emergency order of the City of Columbia." It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure and/or its contents, making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition, or of repairing to make safe or demolishing the structure as authorized by the mayor. (65 ILCS 5/11-1-6-Emergency Powers of Mayor)

    B.    Closing Streets. When necessary for the public safety, the mayor shall temporarily close sidewalks, streets, places and premises adjacent to such unsafe structure, and prohibit the same from being used.

    C.    Emergency Work. For the purposes of this section, the mayor shall employ the necessary labor and materials to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.

    D.    Cost of Emergency Work. Costs incurred in the performance of emergency work shall be paid from the treasury of the city on certificate of the mayor. The legal counsel of the city shall institute appropriate action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe structure is or was located for the recovery of such costs.

    E.    Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any affected person shall thereafter, upon petition directed to the rental property maintenance board of review be afforded a hearing as provided in Section 15.09.110 of this code. (Ord. 1686 § 1 (part), 1998)