(a) General Provisions. A nonresidential structure or nonresidential portion of a building shall conform to all provisions and requirements of the Codified Ordinances, local and state building codes, fire codes and health regulations applicable to the structure and its intended and present use. When a code requires particular equipment for a facility, or sets a minimum structural or installation standard, whichever standard in the above codes or Codified Ordinances is more restrictive, shall apply.
(b) Applicability. The following exterior property maintenance standards are applicable to a commercial structure, commercial unit, and portions of a mixed-use structure which are devoted to commercial use, including all exterior and structural requirements.
(c) Exterior Property and Structure Exteriors. A building and the exterior premises shall be properly maintained to achieve a presentable appearance and to avoid blighting effects and hazardous conditions.
(1) Exterior Space. The exterior open space around a structure shall be improved and maintained to provide for:
A. The immediate diversion of water away from buildings and proper drainage on the lot;
B. Grass, plantings or other suitable ground cover to prevent soil erosion;
C. Yard-walks, parking areas, driveways and exterior steps which are constructed and maintained to provide a permanently hard, dust free surface.
(2) Maintenance.
A. The exterior of all premises and every structure thereon including but not limited to walls, roofs, cornices, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, store fronts, signs, windows, doors, awnings, marquees and all surfaces thereof, shall be maintained to avoid blighting effects on neighboring properties; and the surfaces thereof shall be painted or protected to preserve the material.
B. All canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, porches, balconies, and similar overhanging extensions, and supporting structures exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of ripping, tearing, or deterioration.
(3) Fences and Walls. A fence, retaining wall or similar structure shall be anchored firmly in the ground, constructed in a workmanlike manner and maintained in a state of good structural repair. A fence, retaining wall, or similar structure not maintained in a state of good structural repair shall be removed, replaced, or repaired as required. A fence shall be treated with paint, stain or chemicals to retard deterioration unless constructed of materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated.
(4) Yards. A yard, court, and lot shall be kept free of grass higher than six inches, debris, and materials that are a fire, health, or safety hazard.
(5) Hazards. Health, safety or fire hazards and unsanitary conditions shall be eliminated.
(6) Occupancy. No temporary building, trailer, recreational vehicle, tent, or garage shall be used temporarily or permanently as a residence.
(8) Commercial Vehicle. A commercial tractor, semi-truck, semi-trailer or pole trailer (collectively "commercial vehicles"), shall not be parked on a commercial lot, unless owned, leased or used by a business located on the lot, or the commercial vehicle is making a service call or delivery to or from a subject property and is parked or located in a designated off street loading/unloading area.
(9) Traffic Markings. Traffic markings including but not limited to directional arrows, lane division lines, parking space lines, and stop signs shall be installed and maintained to be clearly visible and easily recognized.
(10) Conduct of Business.
A. Business activity(except for off-street loading) shall be conducted within a completely enclosed building unless otherwise permitted in this chapter.
B. Storage of trash, garbage containers and/or dumpsters shall be effectively screened from view in compliance with Chapter 1159 and as approved by the City of Chardon.
C. Storage of materials, goods, products, and inoperable vehicles shall be within a completely enclosed building unless permitted or conditionally permitted by the Codified Ordinances or variance therefrom to conduct business or maintain outdoor storage of material goods or products.
(11) Exterior Light Fixtures. Exterior lighting fixtures mounted on walls, over steps, paths, walkways, and courts, and installed in drives, and parking lots shall be maintained in operable condition, lighted for sufficient periods of time before and after business hours to provide for pedestrian and employee safety and properly aimed to prevent lighting on adjacent properties.
(13) Exterior Stairways. Exterior stairways on a commercial premise shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with the following:
A. Stairways shall be free of holes, grooves, and cracks which constitute a safety hazard;
B. Stairways shall be free of rotted or deteriorated supports;
C. Stairways shall have treads of uniform width and risers of uniform height; and
D. Stairway handrails and railings shall be firmly fastened and maintained in good condition. Where the absence of handrails and/or railings create a hazardous condition, the Zoning Inspector may require their installation in accordance with the provisions of the Geauga County Building Code.
(11) Accessory Structures. A structure accessory to a commercial use, including a sign and detached storage building, shall be structurally sound, maintained, and in good repair.
(Ord. 2727. Passed 6-14-12.)