(A) Declaration of nuisance. Buildings, fences and other structures which have been so poorly maintained that their physical condition and appearance detracts from the surrounding neighborhood are declared to be public nuisances because they:
(1) Are unsightly;
(2) Decrease adjoining landowners’ and occupants’ enjoyment of their property and neighborhood; and
(3) Adversely affect property values and neighborhood pattern.
(B) Standard. Any building, fence or other structure is a public nuisance if it does not comply with the following requirements.
(1) No part of any exterior surface shall have deterioration, holes, breaks, gaps, loose or rotting boards or timber.
(2) Every exterior surface which has had a surface finish such as paint applied shall be maintained to avoid noticeable deterioration of having peeling, cracked, chipped or otherwise deteriorated surface finish on more than 25% of the total exterior.
(C) Foundations, exterior walls and roof. The foundation, exterior walls and exterior roof shall be substantially water-tight and protected against vermin and rodents and shall be kept in sound condition and repair. The foundation element shall adequately support the building at all points. Every exterior wall shall be free of structural deterioration or any other condition, which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portion of the walls or to the interior spaces of the dwelling. The roof shall be tight and have no defects which admit rain and roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness in the walls. All exterior surfaces, other than decay resistant materials, shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective covering or treatment. If approximately 25% or more of the total exterior surface is unpainted or lacks a protective coating or is determined by the Police Department to be deteriorated, the surface shall have a protective covering applied. If approximately 25% or more of the total exterior surface of the pointing of any brick, block or stone wall is loose or has fallen out, the surface shall be repaired.
(D) Windows, doors and screens.
(1) Every window, exterior door and hatchway shall be substantially tight and shall be kept in repair. Every window other than a fixed window or storm window shall be capable of being easily opened. Every window, door and frame shall be constructed and maintained in the relation to the adjacent wall construction as to completely exclude rain, vermin and rodents from entering the building.
(2) All cornices, molding, lintels, bay or dormer windows, and similar projections, shall be kept in good repair and free from cracks and defects, which make them hazardous and unsightly. Roof surfaces shall be tight and have no defect which admit water. All roof drainage systems shall be secured and hung properly.
(E) Notification, abatement and personal liability. Notification, abatement and personal liability shall be as outlined in § 92.02 of this chapter.
(2001 Code, § 9.02A) Penalty, see § 10.99