(A) Properties on which a registered vacant structure exists shall be maintained to be consistent with the neighborhood standard.
(B) Properties subject to this chapter shall be kept free of tall vegetation more than eight inches high, vegetation growth between sidewalk and/or driveway flags or from cracks in the pavement, dry brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, rodent harborage, any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices (except those required by federal, state or local law), discarded items including, but not limited to, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances, printed material, signage, containers, equipment, construction materials or any illegal outside storage of vehicles or vehicle parts.
(C) Properties subject to this chapter shall be landscaped and properly maintained. Landscaping includes, but is not limited to: grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark shall be maintained in an appropriate manner. Landscaping does not include bare soils or dirt, weeds, unclean gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, decomposed materials, exposed plastic sheeting, carpet or any similar material.
(D) Pools, spas and other water features shall be kept in working order or winterized to ensure that the water remains clear and free of pollutants and debris, or drained and kept dry and free of debris to prevent the breeding of air borne pests.
(E) Properties subject to this chapter shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons.
SECURE MANNER includes, but is not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors (walkthrough, sliding and garage), gates and any other opening of such size that it may allow a child to access the interior of the property and/or structure(s).
(F) (1) Commercial buildings and all buildings within the General Commercial Zone of the Historic District which exhibit evidence of vacancy shall be maintained as to give the appearance of evidence of occupancy, to include:
(a) Maintaining the exterior of the property in good order including cleaned windows, a lit interior at night (1fc) with the view into the first floor to be easily viewed by police to maintain security on the premises, and facade materials maintained in a good state of repair including no peeling paint, missing mortar, rusted metal and the like. The lighting requirement can be met by using battery operated string lighting; and
(b) All first floor windows installed with clean solid glass and all upper story windows shall have glass, secure-vue, plexi-glass or black painted half-inch plywood (not particle board) installed and secured within each window opening.
(2) Exception: commercial buildings undergoing alterations, renovations, repair or construction in accordance with a building permit legally issued to that property and actively being executed shall not be considered a vacant structure.
(G) Sidewalks shall be maintained free of snow and ice or other hazardous conditions, to include overhanging tree branches or brush encroachments into the walkway, volunteer vegetation, broken concrete, sunken concrete, dirt or debris.
(H) Except as expressly provided for herein, properties that are subject to this chapter shall comply with the minimum exterior provisions of the most recent International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the city.
(Prior Code, § 18-A-03-06)