This chapter applies to all zoning districts.
(A) (1) All land and exterior areas under roof but not enclosed must be maintained free from:
(a) Accumulation of garbage, debris, or blight, including graffiti, tires, broken glass, or anything posing a hazard to public health;
(b) Tarps, plastic sheeting, or similar materials used as screening, fencing, or wall covering;
(c) Abandoned vehicles or inoperable vehicle parts, visible from a right-of-way, except a single inoperable vehicle undergoing minor repair work, not to exceed 72 hours; or lawful commercial activities involving vehicles as allowed by this chapter;
(d) Appliances, machinery, freezers, refrigerators, or other household items;
(e) Any object or landscaping that interferes with the use of any sidewalk, street, alley, highway, or visibility of a traffic light or sign in the town;
(f) Landscaping visible from public property that is substantially dead, damaged, or characterized by uncontrolled growth;
(g) Anything posing an imminent hazard to public health and safety;
(h) Any wall or fence missing blocks, boards, or other material, or is otherwise deteriorated to constitute a hazard to people or property; and
(i) Graffiti visible from a public area or right-of-way.
(2) These standards exclude: items kept in covered bins or receptacles; a lawfully established junkyard; any neatly stored materials used in the development of property; and items stored or kept in enclosed trailers or vehicles.
(3) These standards do not apply to the orderly storage of materials in side and rear yards provided:
(a) The storage does not exceed 10% of the area of the yard; and
(b) The storage does not exceed the height of any fence or wall enclosing the storage area.
(B) All premises must be kept free from rodent infestation and other noxious pests.
(C) All premises must prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
(D) All fences and walls must be safe, structurally sound, and uniform in color, structure, and design. They must not constitute a hazard or be in disrepair. Repair of an existing fence or wall must be made with the same or similar materials.
(E) Occupied buildings must have an adequate number of garbage receptacles maintained in clean condition and good repair. The owner or occupant must arrange for the removal of garbage from the premises.
(F) Vacant lots or land subject to enforcement action for dumping must be secured to prevent future dumping.
(G) Septic tanks, cesspools, and similar conditions must be fully restored to a safe, serviceable condition, or filled with clean fill. Excavations must be maintained in a secure manner to prevent a hazard to public health and safety.
(H) Buildings or structures determined to be unsafe or dangerous as defined in Chapter 156 must be abated in accordance with the provisions of that code.
(I) Abandoned structures and premises must be maintained and monitored including:
(1) Maintenance of the exterior of the building and landscaping with regular removal of all exterior trash, debris, and graffiti; and
(2) Prevention of reoccurring criminal activity on the premises. Unsecured buildings and structures must be secured in the following manner:
(a) Unsecured doorways and windows must be boarded up using five-eighths inch or thicker exterior grade plywood, fastened by tamper-proof screws or one-way bolts;
(b) All boarding must be painted to match the dominant exterior color of the elevation of the structure; and
(c) For commercial buildings, opaque window coverings may be allowed by the Administrator in lieu of boarding provided all windows are maintained and if broken or cracked, are replaced within 48 hours. The Administrator may revoke the use of this alternative when the owner or responsible party fails to maintain the within the specified period.
(3) If, after five business days from when notice provided, the owner fails to comply, the Administrator is authorized to secure the site as specified in this chapter. All costs associated with this work will be recovered from the property owner.
(Ord. 2022-17, passed 7-19-2022)