(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to recognize the private and public benefits resulting from the safe, sanitary, and attractive maintenance of residential buildings, yards, or vacant areas in residential districts. Attractive and well-maintained property will enhance the neighborhood and Village of Edgar and provide a suitable environment for enhancing physical and monetary property values.
(b) Exterior Premises and Structural Maintenance Requirements. Every owner, operator, occupant or tenant shall properly maintain all property under his/her control, including but not limited to residential property (owner-occupied and rental), to comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) Drainage.
All courts, yards, or other areas on the premises shall be properly graded to divert water away from the residential building. Adjacent ground surface shall be sloped away from the structure with a grading of at least one-half (1/2) inch per foot for a minimum of five (5) feet where possible or by other means such as eaves troughs, downspout extensions or rain gardens.
(2) Weeds and Excessive Vegetation Growth.
All exterior property areas shall be kept free from noxious weeds and excessive growth of vegetation as required by Sections 8-1-4, 8-1-5 and 8-1-6 of this Code of Ordinances and the Wisconsin Statutes. Where required weed and grass cutting is not performed by the property owner, the Weed Commissioner or designee shall perform said weed cutting pursuant to Sections 8-1-4, 8-1-5 and 8-1-6, and process the charge therefor as a special charge against the benefitted property.
(3) Miscellaneous Debris
. Pursuant to this Chapter, Section 8-1-2 "Health Nuisances, Abatement of", Section 8-1-8 "Unhealthy, Hazardous or Unsightly Materials on Public or Private Property", Section 10-5-8 "Junked Vehicles and Appliances on Private Property" and Title 11, Chapter 6 "Public Nuisances", all exterior property areas shall be properly maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free from debris, rubbish or garbage, physical hazards, rodent harborage and infestation, accumulations of animal feces, and inoperable or unlicensed vehicles or equipment as required by Section 10-5- 8 and Title 11, Chapter 6 of this Code of Ordinances. All animal feces shall be removed as required by ordinance. Specifically, all exterior property areas shall be maintained:
b. Free from recyclable materials which are not properly separated and stored as required by Title 8, Chapter 4 "Recycling" for purposes of collection and storage, provided such outside storage of recyclables is not for longer than fourteen (14) days or to accommodate collection, whichever is first.
c. Free from items such as inoperable or nuisance vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, trailers, building materials, scrap metals, appliances, furniture, or other debris in violation of Section 10-5-8 "Junked Vehicles and Appliances on Private Property".
d. In a condition so as not to become infested with rodents or be a rodent harborage.
e. Free from building materials as required by Section 10-5-8 "Junked Vehicles and Appliances on Private Property", unless such materials are temporarily stored on the property for use with a building project pursuant to a valid Village building permit.
f. Free from substantial accumulations of animal feces as required by Title 7, Chapter 1 of this Code of Ordinances.
g. Free from physical hazards.
h. Free from any accumulation of combustible materials which are not used as an integral part of an authorized business lawfully conducted on the premises.
i. In a manner which does not constitute a health or public nuisance per Title 11, Chapter 6.
(4) Fences, Walks, Parking Areas.
Fences, other accessory construction, walks, driveways, parking areas, and similar paved areas shall be properly maintained in a safe and properly maintained condition. Pursuant to Village Zoning Code standards, all fences shall be maintained in good repair, be structurally sound and plumb. Fence surfaces shall be reasonably free of rust corrosion, deterioration, decay, missing parts, and peeling, flaking or deteriorated paint or stain. Wood surfaces, other than decay-,resistant wood, shall be protected from the elements and decay by staining, painting or other protective coating or treatment. Fences shall not by of a type prohibited by the Village Zoning Code.
(5) Exterior Surfaces.
Exterior surfaces of buildings and structures not inherently resistant to deterioration due to the type of siding used shall be treated with a protective coating of paint, stain or other suitable preservative which will provide adequate resistance to weathering and maintain an attractive appearance. Any exterior surface treated with paint, stain or other preservative shall be maintained so as to prevent excessive chipping, cracking, or other deterioration of the exterior surface or surface treatment and to present an attractive appearance.
(6) Yard Areas.
a. Yard areas of real estate shall not be permitted to deteriorate or remain in a condition that is not in accord with the following: Yard areas shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of combustible or non- combustible materials, debris, or refuse. Yards shall not be used to store appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, water softeners, construction debris or building material not used within thirty (30) days, or any unsightly bulk items.
b. Plantings shall be maintained as not to present hazards to adjoining properties or to persons or vehicles traveling on public ways and shall be maintained so as to enhance the appearance and value of the property on which located, and thereby the appearance and value of the neighborhood and Village. The provisions of Section 10-5-8 shall be complied with regarding the outside storage of vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, construction equipment and other debris.
c. The unpaved public terrace area, as defined in Title 6, Chapter 2, abutting private property shall be maintained by the abutting property owner in accordance with, but not limited to, Sections 8-1-4, 8-1-5 and 8-1-6.
(7) Prohibited Debris.
No person shall store or dispose of, other than temporarily with a project, rocks, trees, stumps, waste materials or other debris from land development, building construction, installation of underground utilities, or from any other activity upon the surface of any land in the Village regardless of zoning classification, except at approved disposal sites.
(8) Accessory Buildings.
All accessory structures and buildings, including windows, doors and roofs which are a part thereof, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, reasonably watertight and rodent-proof. Factors indicating a state of disrepair include, but are not limited to, defective or collapsed roofs, missing windows and doors, deteriorated or missing siding, and/or substantial leaning indicating structural damage.
(9) Graffiti.
The owner, occupant, operator, or tenant of any building or accessory building/structure shall be responsible for removing all graffiti therefrom within fifteen (15) days following receipt of a Village notice to remove such graffiti.
(10) Structural Members.
All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound in good repair, and be capable of safely supporting the imposed loads.
(11) Windows.
Every window, storm window, skylight and/or screen window, including frames, shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weathertight. All window glazing shall be maintained free from holes and large cracks.
(12) Roofs and Drainage.
The roof and flashing shall be maintained structurally sound and not have defects which consistently admit water. Roof coverings shall be in good repair, free from missing components, storm damage, and not have missing components. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner which creates a public nuisance or unsafe conditions.
(13) Overhang Extensions.
All canopies, marquees, awnings, signs, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair with proper anchorage.
(14) Porches, Ramps, Decks, Balconies and Exterior Stairways.
Every porch, deck, exterior stairway, ramp and/or balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition, in good repair, with proper anchorage, and capable of supporting imposed loads. Any new or replacement exterior stairway, deck, porch, ramp and/or balcony shall be installed in accordance with the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
(c) Interior Maintenance Requirements.
(1) General Maintenance and Cleanliness.
Every interior floor, wall, and ceiling, including door and window assemblies, shall be kept clean and in good repair, and shall be capable of affording privacy. Any hazardous sagging or bulging shall be properly repaired to a level or plumb position. All surfaces shall be free from serious cracking, irregularities, and peeling paint. A waterproof and hard surface shall be provided in spaces subject to moisture. All surface repairs shall be completed to closely match the existing surface color and texture. Floor surfacing shall provide ease of maintenance and durability appropriate for the use of the room.
(2) Weathertight, Watertight and Rodent-Proof Premises.
Every foundation, exterior wall, and floor and roof shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight, and rodentproof and shall be kept in proper repair and shall be capable of affording privacy. Any hazardous sagging or bulging shall be properly repaired to a level or plumb position. All chimneys and breaching shall be so constructed and maintained so as to ensure that it safely and properly removes the products of combustion from the building. Every gap allowing the accumulation of dirt or other objectionable matter in bathing, toilet, or food preparation areas shall be tightly sealed with an impervious and cleanable material.
(3) Stairway Maintenance.
Every inside and outside stairway, porch, and every appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon, and shall be kept in proper condition and repair and shall present an attractive appearance. All interior and exterior stairs and steps and every appurtenance thereto shall comply with the requirements specified in Sec. SPS 321.04, Wis. Adm. Code, or other Wisconsin Administrative Code provisions as dictated by the type of occupancy in the building.
(4) Plumbing Fixtures Maintenance.
Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained in good working condition, free from defects, leaks, and obstructions.
(5) Bathroom Maintenance.
Every water closet compartment floor surface and bathroom floor surface shall be properly constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(6) Supplied Facilities.
a. Every supplied facility, piece of equipment, or utility connection shall be so constructed, installed, and maintained so that it will function in a proper working condition.
b. The owner of any dwelling or apartment in which a cooking stove and/or refrigerator are furnished for the use of the tenants as part of a rental agreement shall keep such cooking stove and/or refrigerator in good mechanical and safe working condition.
c. It shall be the responsibility of the tenant to maintain supplied facilities in a clean and sanitary condition when contained within the tenant's dwelling unit.
(7) Equipment Removal Restricted.
No owner, operator, or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment, or utility which is required under this Chapter to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit let or occupied by him/her, except for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs are in process, or during temporary emergencies when discontinuance of service is approved by an authorized inspector.
(8) Abandoned Fuel Oil Tanks.
Abandoned fuel oil tanks shall be removed from the building.
(9) Public/Shared Areas.
Every owner of a dwelling containing three (3) or more dwelling units shall be responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary condition the shared or public areas of the dwellings and premises thereof.
(d) Hazardous Conditions. It is the owner's responsibility that dwellings be structurally sound and free of conditions which constitute a substantial hazard to the health and safety of the occupant(s) or which create an unreasonable risk of personal injury resulting from any reasonable foreseeable use of the dwelling (other than the negligent use of the dwelling by the occupants). Such violations include, but are not limited to, sewage or water accumulations in the basement, excessive damage to the interior which may pose health problems, or excessive human, animal or other solid waste accumulation inside the structure which may pose a health problem.
(e) Animals - Unsanitary Conditions. No occupant of a residence shall keep any animals or pets in a dwelling or rooming unit, or on any premises, in such manner as to create unsanitary conditions, including, without limitation, accumulation of excrement.