(A) Properties subject to this section shall be kept free of weeds, grass more than six inches high, dry brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, 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 other items that give the appearance that the property is abandoned.
(B) The property shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging or similar markings by removal or painting over with an exterior grade paint that matches the color of the exterior of the structure. All materials used to board-up or secure structures, whether placed on the interior or exterior of a structure, shall be sealed from the elements and painted with a color that closely matches that of the structure upon which it is placed. No unpainted or unfinished material shall be used for board up or for security purposes except those materials that are manufactured with a color or pigmentation that matches the exterior of the structure. All visible front and side yards 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 designed and maintained in an appropriate manner. Landscaping does not include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, decomposed materials, plastic sheeting, indoor-outdoor carpet or any similar material. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, regular watering, irrigation, cutting, pruning and mowing of required landscaping and removal of all trimmings.
(C) Pools, spas, and other water features shall be kept in working order so the water remains clear and free of pollutants and debris or drained and kept dry and free of debris. In either case, properties with pools and/or spas must comply with the minimum security fencing and barrier requirements of the Michigan Building, Construction and Maintenance Codes.
(D) Properties subject to this section 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 (walk-through, 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).
(E) The owner or the owner’s agent shall demonstrate that all water, sewer, electrical, gas, HVAC, plumbing systems, exterior finishes and walls, concrete surfaces, accessory buildings, roofing, structural systems, foundations, drainage systems, gutters, doors, windows, parking areas, signage, driveway apron(s), service walk(s), sidewalk(s), and other public areas are sound operational, or properly disconnected. If the property is owned by a corporation and/or the beneficiary/trustee/owner is located more than 30 miles away, a local property management company shall be contracted to perform weekly inspections to verify that the requirements of this section, and any other applicable laws, are being met. Vacant commercial/industrial property shall be posted with name and 24-hour contact phone number of the property management company located within 30 miles of the subject property. The posting shall be no less than 18 inches by 24 inches and shall be of a 72-point Arial font and shall contain along with the name and 24-hour contact number, the words “THIS PROPERTY MANAGED BY” and “TO REPORT PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS, CALL”. The posting shall be placed on the interior of a window facing the street to the front of the property so it is visible from the street, or secured to the exterior of the building/structure facing the street to the front of the property so it is visible from the street or if no such area exists, in a location that is visible from the street to the front of the property but not readily accessible to vandals. Exterior posting must be constructed of and printed with weather resistant materials.
(Ord. 832, passed 11-15-10)