(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to prevent, reduce or eliminate potential blight in the City by the prevention or elimination of certain environmental causes of blight or blighting factors which exist, or may exist in the future, in the City.
(1975 Code § 9.221)
(b) Causes of Blight; Prohibitions. The following uses, structures and activities are causes of blight which, if permitted to exist, will result in undesirable neighborhoods. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any of these causes of blight upon any property in the City, owned, leased, rented or occupied by such person:
(1) Trailers, contractors equipment, boat hulls. The storage in the open of trailers in disrepair, contractor’s equipment in disrepair or boat hulls in disrepair. For the purpose of this section, the term “trailers in disrepair, contractor’s equipment in disrepair or boat hulls in disrepair” shall mean such trailers, equipment or boats as are inoperable or partially dismantled. “Inoperable” means incapable of being operated or propelled under its own power by reason of dismantling, disrepair or other cause. “Partially dismantled” means a part which is ordinarily a component has been removed or is missing.
(2) Building materials. The storage in the open of building materials, unless there is a valid building permit issued for construction upon said property, and the storage of materials are intended for use in connection with such construction. “Building materials” shall include, lumber, bricks, concrete blocks, plumbing materials, electrical wiring or equipment, heating ducts or equipment, shingles, mortar, concrete or cement, nails, screws or any other materials used in constructing any structures.
(3) Storage of accumulation of junk, trash, rubbish or refuse unless temporarily stored for removal. The term “junk” shall include parts of machinery or motor vehicles, household appliances stored in the open, remnants of wood, metal or any other material or other cast-off material of any kind whether or not the same could be put to any reasonable use.
(4) Any structure or part of any structure which, because of fire, wind or other natural disaster, or physical deterioration, is no longer habitable, if a dwelling, or useful for any other purpose for which it may have been intended.
(5) The existence of any vacant dwelling or garage or other outbuilding, unless such buildings are kept securely locked, with windows kept glazed or neatly boarded up, and are otherwise protected to prevent entrance thereto by vandals.
(6) Any partially completed structure, unless such structure is in the course of construction in accordance with a valid building permit.
(7) The accumulation of dirt, litter or debris on the property.
(8) Broken or discarded furniture, household equipment and furnishings, tires, or shopping carts stored on the property.
(9) Vehicle parts, or other articles of personal property which are abandoned or left in a state of partial construction or repair for an unreasonable period of time.
(11) Refrigerators, freezers, or similar equipment providing enclosed spaces. An abandoned, unattended or discarded refrigerator, freezer, airtight container, tank with an open access hole and any other property which substantially encloses a space if placed anywhere outdoors in a manner which could result in injury or death.
(1975 Code § 9.222) (Ord. 444. Passed 1-2-07; Ord. 503. Passed 6-4-13.)