No person shall own or occupy or let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit, within the jurisdiction of the city, which does not comply with the following requirements:
(A) Hazards. Exterior property areas shall be free from conditions which might create a health, accident or fire hazard, or which might endanger the public welfare, including, but not limited to, holes and excavations, sharp protrusions, barbed wire (unless six feet above the ground atop a chain-link, solid, or other approved fence), sheer embankments, inoperative or abandoned vehicles or machinery, unused household goods or appliances and other objects or materials. Walks, steps, and driveways that contain holes or tripping hazards shall be filled, repaired, or replaced as necessary. Open wells, cesspools, septic tanks or cisterns shall be kept securely closed if in approved use. If they are not in approved use, they must be filled with natural soil. No unlicensed, inoperable, junk, or nuisance motor vehicle nor other nuisance as defined within city ordinances §§ 153.105 through 153.115.
(B) Rubbish and garbage. Disposal of rubbish and other refuse shall be done in accordance with all regulations of the city. The property shall be free of accumulating rubbish and garbage.
(C) Fences. All fences provided by the owner or agent on the premises and/or all fences erected by an occupant shall be constructed of manufactured metal fencing material, wood, masonry or other material. Such fences shall be maintained in good condition. Wood materials, other than decay resistant wood, shall be protected against decay by use of paint or other preservative. Any paint or other protective material must be maintained free of deterioration, in sound condition and good repair. The permissible height and other characteristics of all fences shall conform to the appropriate statutes, ordinances and regulations of the city and state. Wherever any egress from the dwelling opens into the fenced area, there shall be a means of egress from the premises to any public way adjacent thereto.
(D) Accessory structures. Accessory structures present or provided by the owner, agent or tenant occupant on the premises of a dwelling shall be structurally sound, and be maintained in good repair and free from insects and rats, or such structures shall be removed from the premises. The exterior of such structure shall be made weather resistant through the use of decay resistant materials or the use of paint or other preservatives. Paint or other protective coverings must be maintained free of deterioration, in sound condition and good repair.
(E) Sewage. Sewage must be discharged into a public sewer system or if otherwise permitted by the revised code of ordinances into an approved septic tank. Discharge of inadequately treated sewage shall not be permitted upon the surface of the ground or into any natural or artificial drainage-way.
(F) Weeds. Exterior property areas shall be kept free of all weeds, plants, or trees which are noxious and or could be considered detrimental to the public health, such weeds include but are not limited to, ragweed, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
(G) Insect and vermin. Where insect or vermin breeding areas, harborage, or infestation exist, the same shall be eliminated.
(1) Upon discovery of insect or vermin breeding areas, harborage, or infestations, the inspector will take leave from such inspection to allow for remedial action by the owner or property manager.
(2) If the inspector is notified within 30 days that the breeding areas, harborage, or infestations have been eliminated then the inspector will complete the inspection promptly without an additional inspection fee.
(3) An additional fee of $25 will be assessed for each additional visit by the inspector after the second inspection.
(4) If a tenant is residing in the residence subject to inspection, satisfactory remedial action must be taken within 30 days of the initial inspection. Failure to take satisfactory remedial action will result in a minimum fine of not less than $250 and no more than $750.
(H) Storage of materials. In the event that occupancy usages would result in stacking or piling materials, the materials shall be so arranged as to prohibit the creation of a vermin harborage area. Such shall be accomplished by orderly stacking and elevating so that there will be at least a 12-inch opening between the material and the ground level. No stacking or piling of material shall take place against the exterior walls of the structure.
(I) Standing water. Water shall not be permitted to accumulate or stand on the premises so as to create any stagnant condition, mosquito breeding ground, offensive smell, unsightly condition, unsafe or hazardous condition or other condition potentially harmful to the public health or safety.
(J) Outdoor spas, hot tubs, swimming pools. All outdoor spas, and hot tubs must be securely enclosed in a solid, chain link, or other approved fence not less than four feet in height with a self-closing and self-latching gate or locked gate. Fencing or barriers for swimming pools and wading pools shall comply with the applicable building and residential codes adopted by the city.
(Ord. 03-17, passed 4-25-2017)