(A) Scope. This section shall govern the conditions in residential housing other than components and systems of a structure.
(B) Accumulation of dirt, filth, rubbish or garbage. An owner, operator or occupant of a dwelling unit may not allow the accumulation of dirt, filth, rubbish or garbage on the premises occupied or controlled in a manner that could create a health hazard to the dwelling occupants or the general public.
(C) Rodent harborages in occupied areas.
(1) Joint responsibility. An owner, occupant or operator may not allow formation of rodent harborages in or about the premises he or she occupies or controls.
(2) Occupant responsibility for extermination. The occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit is responsible for the extermination of rodents, insects or vermin on the premises. Every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one dwelling unit is responsible for the extermination whenever the dwelling unit is the only one infested.
(3) Owner responsibility for extermination. Whenever infestation is caused by the failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a reasonable rodent-proof condition, extermination is also the responsibility of the owner. Whenever infestation exists in two or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two or more dwelling units, extermination thereof is also the responsibility of the owner.
(4) Standard. Where divisions (C)(2) or (C)(3) above give rise to a duty to undertake extermination, it is a violation of this code if the inspection does not demonstrate that the extermination has been undertaken at least to a degree that is proportionate to the need for it.
(D) Nuisance. An owner, operator or occupant of any dwelling unit may not allow the formation or presence of any nuisance in or about the premises.
(E) Yard cover. Exposed areas surrounding (or within) a principal or accessory structure, including street boulevards which are not devoted to parking, drives, sidewalks, patios or other such uses, must be landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees or other ornamented landscape material. The landscaping shall be maintained in good condition and free of noxious weeds.
(F) Snow, ice and stormwater management.
(1) Property owners and occupants shall be responsible to abate the snow and ice from the public sidewalk located on the city boulevard that abuts or fronts their property within 12 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to be deposited.
(2) In no case may storm water be channeled into the sanitary sewer system. Storm water, ice or snow may not be directed onto, or channeled across walkways or streets where it is likely to be a safety hazard.
(G) Minimum temperature standards for rental properties. When the temperature outside the structure is below 60°F, it is the responsibility of the owner that a minimum temperature of 68°F be maintained in a dwelling unit at a point three feet above the floor and two feet from exterior walls in all habitable rooms, unless the occupant of that unit chooses to maintain a lower temperature. The installation of one or more portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section.
(H) Electrical cords in rental properties. Temporary wiring, extension cords or drop cords may not be used as permanent wiring.
(I) Discontinuance of basic services or utilities in rental properties. An owner, operator or occupant may not permit any service or utility needed for a furnace to provide heat to be shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling or dwelling unit let or occupied, except for the temporary interruptions as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in process, or during temporary emergencies.
(J) Occupancy standards. The maximum permissible occupancy of a rental dwelling unit is determined as follows.
(1) Minimum space. For the first two occupants, 220 square feet of habitable room floor space and for every additional occupant thereof, at least 100 square feet of habitable room floor space.
(2) Maximum occupancy. The total number of occupants may not exceed two times the number of habitable rooms, less kitchen, in the dwelling unit.
(Ord. 163, passed 7-1-2013)