(a) Generally. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants and so as to protect the occupants from the adverse effects of the environment as well as the adverse economic effects of the surrounding neighborhood.
(b) Structural Members. All supporting structural members of all structures shall be kept structurally sound, free of deterioration and maintained so as to be capable of safely bearing the dead and live loads imposed upon them.
(c) Foundation Walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained so as to carry the safe design and operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, so as not to be detrimental to the public safety and welfare.
(d) Exterior Walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the building. All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition, vinyl or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface coated when required to prevent deterioration.
(e) Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound and tight and shall not have defects which might admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a nuisance to owners or occupants of adjacent premises, or that creates a public nuisance.
(f) Decorative Features. All cornices, entablatures, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facing and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
(g) Signs and Awnings. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. They shall be protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of a weather-coating material, such as paint or other protective treatment.
(h) Chimneys. All chimneys and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe, sound and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by the periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment. Brick chimneys shall be periodically tuck pointed or repaired as required.
(i) Stairs and Porches. Every stair, porch, fire escape, balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the anticipated loads and shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair. Every stair, porch and fire escape shall be maintained free of hazardous conditions, such as snow, ice, mud and other debris. The owner and occupants are jointly responsible for maintaining said areas free of hazardous conditions.
(j) Windows and Doors.
(1) Every window, door and frame shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall construction so as to be weather-tight.
(2) Every window and exterior door shall be fitted reasonably in its frame and be weather-tight. Weather stripping shall be used to exclude wind or rain from entering the dwelling or structure and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
(3) Every open window, other than a fixed window, shall be capable of being easily opened and shall be held in position by window hardware.
(4) Every open window or open doorway shall have screens to prevent entrance of insects.
(k) Glazing. Every required window sash shall be fully supplied with approved glazing materials, as set forth in this Building and Housing Code, which are without open cracks and holes. Glazing in doors shall comply with safety glazing requirements as set forth in this Building and Housing Code.
(l) Door Hardware. Every exterior door and its hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Door locks on all doors entering dwelling units shall be in good repair and capable of tightly securing the door.
(m) Basement Guards. Every basement opening shall be supplied with a material affording protection against the entry of rats.
(Ord. 2285. Passed 1-14-91.)