§ 18-30. Inspection and compliance.

(a)

Inspection required. Prior to the sale, assignment or transfer by the owner of his interest in any dwelling unit or commercial building in the City of Muskegon Heights, the owner shall obtain a suitable inspection of the dwelling unit or commercial building as determined by the department of inspections.

(b)

Vacant or condemned properties. For properties that are condemned or have remained vacated for 24 months, the inspection shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.

(c)

Copy of report to purchaser. Prior to the closing of a sale, assignment or transfer of interest in a dwelling unit or commercial building, the owner shall furnish a copy of the inspection report to the purchaser, assignee or transferee.

(d)

Inspection fees. Upon the filing of an application for an inspection, the applicant shall pay the inspection fees as set out in section 40-123 of the City Code.

(e)

Inspection report. The inspection report shall be the basis for determining compliance with this code, but the conditions described in the inspection report shall not prohibit the sale of any dwelling unit or commercial building.

(f)

Transfer of utilities. Utility services for a dwelling unit or commercial building shall not be transferred from one account to another until approval for that dwelling unit or commercial building unit by the department of inspections.

(g)

Responsibility of new owner. If the sale, assignment or transfer of any interest in a dwelling unit or commercial building occurs without the required inspection, then the new owner shall obtain the inspection within 60 days of the sale, assignment or transfer. The property shall not be occupied until an inspection has occurred. Failure of the new owner to comply with this section will result in a civil infraction with a $250.00 fine. If the property is occupied without obtaining the inspection, each day of occupancy constitutes a separate and additional violation of this section.

(h)

Violation by seller. A seller who fails to obtain the required inspection prior to the sale, assignment or transfer of any interest in a dwelling unit or commercial building shall be responsible for a civil infraction with a $250.00 fine.

(Ord. No. 2012-596, 8-27-2012)