(a) Purpose.
(1) This Chapter is adopted for the purpose of preserving and promoting the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of the Village of Edgar and its environs. This includes, but is not limited to, safety, health, sanitation, aesthetic, and property valuation public policy objectives.
(2) It is recognized that there presently exists, or may exist in the future, residential buildings and dwelling units (owner-occupied and rental properties), non-residential structures, yards or vacant areas, and combinations thereof, which are so dilapidated, neglected, unsafe, dangerous, unhygienic, inadequately maintained or lacking in basic equipment or facilities, light, ventilation, and heating so as to be detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the Village of Edgar, or to the economic values of area properties.
(3) The establishment and subsequent enforcement of this Chapter is deemed necessary and essential to protecting, preserving and promoting the public interest. This Chapter is adopted pursuant to the general police powers conferred on municipalities by the Wisconsin Statutes, and the provisions of this Chapter shall be reasonably and liberally construed to be an exercise of those powers intended to maintain a pleasant, safe and healthful environment within the Village of Edgar.
(b) Scope; Conflict of Regulations.
(1) This Chapter shall pertain to all structures in the Village of Edgar, with certain provisions specifically applicable to residential dwellings and dwelling units, including, but not limited to, rental dwelling units.
(2) The provisions of this Chapter and the standards herein are minimum standards. In situations where a provision of this Chapter is in conflict with another provision of this Code of Ordinances or a state regulation, the provision which establishes the higher or more restrictive standard for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare shall take precedence and be complied with.
(3) The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the construction of new buildings, which are subject to other local and state regulations.
(c) Validity of Prior Regulations. Equipment, systems, and safeguards required by a previous state regulation, local ordinance or code effective when a structure was constructed or lawfully altered shall be maintained in good repair and working order. The requirements of this Chapter are not intended to provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection or safety systems in good repair and working order.
(d) Historic Buildings. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to structures designated and as allowed as federal, state or municipal government-designated historic structures. Howe-ver, any construction work performed on such historic structures shall also comply with appropriate Village zoning, building code and historic preservation ordinances and the requirements of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Cross-Reference:
Title 11, Chapter 6, Public Nuisances and Section 10-5-8 Junked Vehicles, Refuse and Appliances