1327.13 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.

   The following standards are applicable to all residential structures, dwelling units, residential portions of mixed use structures and all dwelling units located in commercial buildings.

   (a)    Structural Soundness and Maintenance of Dwellings. Every foundation, exterior wall, and roof of every dwelling shall be so maintained and be kept in good repair and in safe condition so as to make all occupied rooms and other interior areas weather-tight, water-tight, rodent-proof and so as to be fit for human habitation and so as to not adversely affect the neighborhood in which they are located. Good repair, maintenance, and safe condition shall include but is not limited to the following:

      (1)    Foundations. Foundations shall support the building at all points and shall be free of all holes and cracks which admit rodents or lessen the capability of the foundation to support the building.

      (2)    Exterior walls and surfaces. Exterior walls and other exterior surface materials shall be free of holes, cracks, loose or rotting boards and timbers or any other condition which might admit rodents, rain or dampness to the interior of the dwelling.

      (3)    Windows. Windows shall be fully supplied with window glass or an approved substitute which is glazed and is without open cracks or holes, shall have sashes in good condition which fit within frames, and maintained so as to exclude adverse weather elements from entering the structure.

      (4)    Exterior doors. Doors shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound, fit within frames so as to be weatherproof, windproof, and waterproof and be provided with door hinges and door latches which are in good working condition.

      (5)    Roof. Roof members, covering and flashing shall be structurally sound and right so as to prevent the entrance of moisture and be maintained by renewal, repair, waterproofing, or other suitable means.

      (6)    Gutters. Rain gutters, downspouts, leaders or other means of water diversion shall be provided to collect/conduct and discharge all water from the roof and maintained so as not to leak or cause dampness in the walls, ceiling, or basements.

      (7)    Sump Pumps. Sump pumps if required for pumping ground water are to discharge to a storm sewer system and not the sanitary sewer system.

      (8)    Pools. Pools may be drained onto natural ground at a metered rate as to allow the water to percolate into the soils. However, if it is adversely affecting adjacent properties then the pool must be discharged directly to the storm sewer. Such discharge shall only be permitted when the chlorine residual is below the lowest measurable value of the typical home test kit (usually 0.5 mg/L chlorine).

      (9)    Chimneys. Chimneys shall be free of cracks, holes, or missing portions and maintained in sound condition.

      (10)    Porch. Every porch shall be so maintained so as to be free of missing, defective, rotting or deteriorated foundations, support, floors, other members, and stops thereto, so as to be safe to use and kept in sound condition and in good repair.

      (11)    Structural member. Any structural member of a structure which has become deteriorated or damaged to the extent that it does not serve the purpose as originally intended shall be renewed, restored, repaired, or replaced as is necessary to serve the purpose as originally intended.

      (12)    Exterior surfaces. Except for materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated, all exterior wood, composition or metal surfaces shall be protected from the elements by paint or other protective covering. Surfaces shall be maintained so as to be kept clean and free of flaking, loose, or peeling paint or covering.

      (13)    Basement. Basement or cellar hatchways shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage into the dwelling.

      (14)    Decorative features. All cornices, entablatures, bell courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

   (b)    Exterior Property and Structure Exteriors. All buildings and the exterior of all premises shall be properly maintained to achieve a presentable appearance and to avoid blighting effects and hazardous conditions.

      (1)    Maintenance. 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, signs, windows, doors, awnings, and all surfaces thereof, shall be maintained so as to avoid any blighting effects on neighboring properties and shall be painted or protected where necessary for the purpose of preservation. All canopies, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, porches, balconies, and similar overhanging extensions, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of ripping, tearing, or deterioration.

      (2)    Fences and walls. All fences or similar structures shall always be in the state of good structural repair. If any fences, retaining wall, or similar structure is found not to be in the state of good structural repair, it shall be removed, replaced, or repaired as required. Except when constructed of materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated, all fences shall be treated periodically with paint or chemicals so as to retard deterioration.

      (3)    Yards. All yards, courts, and lots shall be kept free of debris, overgrown grasses, noxious weeds and other materials which may cause a fire, health, or safety hazard, or general unsightliness.

      (4)    Hazards. Hazards and unsanitary conditions shall be eliminated.

      (5)    Junk and junk vehicle. No junk or junk vehicle as defined in Section 551.01 shall be located on any residential property, except when stored within a completely enclosed building.

   (c)    Stairways.

      (1)   Exterior stairways. All exterior stairways on all residential premises shall be in accordance with the following provisions:

         A.    Stairways shall be maintained free of holes, grooves, and cracks which constitute a safety hazard;

         B.    Stairways shall be maintained free of rotted or deteriorated supports;

         C.    Stairways shall have treads of uniform width and risers of uniform height; and

         D.    Stairway handrails and/or railings shall be firmly fastened and maintained in good condition.

   (d)    Accessory Buildings. All accessory buildings as defined in Chapter 1353 of the DCO shall be maintained structurally sound, neatly maintained, and in good repair or shall be razed to grade level and debris removed from the premises.

      (Ord. 9-21. Passed 4-5-21.)