The Building Board of Appeals is an administrative body established by ordinance-no-3963 to oversee the enforcement of regulations regarding dangerous buildings in the city-of-miami (p. 356). Its primary function is to adjudicate appeals against decisions made by the building-inspector concerning the vacation, repair, or demolition of structures deemed unsafe or a public nuisance (p. 356).
Composition and Appointment
The Board consists of five members who must reside or have their principal place of business in the City (p. 356). The membership includes two master builders and three structural engineers or architects, each with at least ten years of professional experience (p. 356). Members are appointed by the City Commission for two-year terms, with staggered expiration dates to ensure continuity (p. 356).
Powers and Duties
The Board has the authority to:
- Hear appeals from property owners, occupants, or other interested parties regarding the Building Inspector’s orders (p. 356).
- Conduct hearings and make written findings of fact to determine if a structure qualifies as a “dangerous building” under dangerous-building-regulations (p. 357).
- Issue final orders requiring repair, vacation, or demolition of unsafe structures (p. 357).
- Enforce compliance by ordering the City to perform repairs or demolition if the owner fails to act, with costs charged as a lien against the property (p. 357).
The Board operates in conjunction with the city attorney, who prosecutes violations and collects costs, and relies on reports from the division of fire and division of police to identify potential hazards (p. 358, p. 359).