(a) Unsanitary conditions, nuisances and hazards.
(1) All outside premises, whether occupied or vacant, shall be kept free of unsanitary conditions, nuisances and hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians and other persons utilizing or exposed to the premises.
(2) Unsanitary conditions, nuisances and hazards include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Refuse, debris, weeds and plants which are noxious or detrimental to the public health;
B. Dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitutes a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof. Trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions;
C. Loose and overhanging objects and accumulations of ice and snow which, by reason of location above ground level, constitute a danger of felling on and causing injury or damage to persons or property in the vicinity thereof;
D. Ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions, including holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared snow and excretions of animals on paths, walks, driveways, parking lots and parking areas and other parts of the premises which are accessible to and used by persons on the premises;
E. Recurring accumulations of stormwater: adequate run-off drains shall be provided and maintained to eliminate any recurrent or excessive accumulation of stormwater; and
F. Sources of infestation: all parts of the premises and lot areas shall be maintained so as to prevent infestation and rodent harborage.
(b) Landscaping. Lawns, hedges, bushes and other landscaping features shall be kept trimmed and kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where the premises are exposed to public view, so that they do not constitute a blighting factor on adjoining property.
(c) Maintenance of building exterior. The following maintenance requirements apply to the exterior of all buildings and structures, including accessory buildings and structures.
(1) The exterior of every structure, including fences, shall be maintained in a condition or state of repair which is free of broken or missing glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint, rotten wood or any other condition indicative of deterioration or inadequate maintenance so that the property itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and adjoining properties protected from blighting influences, and so that rain, rodents, insects, vermin or other pests or animals likely to cause deterioration shall be prevented from entering the structure.
(2) Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs, fire escapes, bannisters and railings shall be kept structurally sound and properly maintained to minimize the hazard of falling.
(3) Foundation walls, columns, posts and piers shall be kept structurally sound and free of defects and damage which would impair their capability to safely bear imposed loads.
(4) Windows, exterior doors and basement hatchways shall be substantially tight, within frames, when closed and kept in sound condition and repair, without open cracks or holes.
(d) Maintenance of commercial, industrial and institutional uses. In addition to the maintenance requirements of exterior structures and outside premises set forth in subsections (a) through (c) above, the owner or the lessee, assignee or any other person responsible by contract for the maintenance of any shopping center or industrial park or any commercial, industrial or institutional use shall be responsible for:
(1) The complete maintenance, repair and cleanliness of all sidewalks, roadways, parking areas, lawns, landscaped areas and buffer strips, including the daily removal of litter and refuse and the regular mowing of lawn areas;
(2) The repainting or remarking of traffic lines and lanes indicating parking spaces, traffic flow, fire lanes, pedestrian walkways and other traffic control designations, so that such traffic lines and lanes are clear and conspicuous at all times;
(3) The maintenance and replacement or repair of paving, bumper blocks, guard rails and lighting installations in parking areas and entrances thereto;
(4) The maintenance of fences along the perimeter of the premises;
(5) The prompt removal or abatement of any nuisance or any hazard to the health and safety of occupants, pedestrians, motorists and other persons utilizing or exposed to the premises;
(6) The replacement of plantings or other landscaping features which were required as a condition of site plan approval, but which did not survive;
(7) The maintenance of all signs in good repair. Any sign which was weathered excessively or faded or on which the paint has excessively peeled or cracked, where the same constitutes a blighting factor which depreciates adjoining property, shall, with its supporting members, be removed or put into a state of good repair. All nonoperative electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supporting members, be removed. All signs shall comply with the Zoning Code; and
(8) The maintenance of any awning or marquee in good repair. Such awning or marquee shall not show evidence of excessive weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or other deterioration, and shall not constitute a nuisance or safety hazard.
(Ord. 532, passed 9-16-1981)