(A) General. The exterior of a structure shall be structurally sound and sanitary and shall not pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants. The structure shall protect the occupants from the environment.
(1) Where the Rental Housing Officer has ordered the exterior to be painted, compliance shall be within a period of six months from the date the inspection report and order are mailed. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or agent to schedule a re-inspection with the Rental Housing Officer during, or at the end of, the six-month period.
(2) Where the Rental Housing Officer has ordered repairs to correct exterior violations other than painting, an extension of time to complete the repairs may be granted for a period not to exceed six months from the date that the inspection report and order are mailed; provided, no such extension shall be granted where, in the opinion of the Rental Housing Officer, the violations are life threatening in nature.
(B) Structural members. All supporting structural members of all structures shall be kept structurally sound, substantially free of deterioration and be capable of safely bearing the dead and live loads imposed upon them.
(C) Exterior surfaces (foundations, walls and roof). Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a workman-like state of maintenance and repair.
(D) Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained to carry the safe design and operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained free from open cracks and breaks.
(E) Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be substantially free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers, and any other conditions that might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to occupied spaces in the building. All exterior surface material including wood, composition, or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface coated when required to prevent deterioration.
(F) Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound, tight, and not have defects, which might admit rain or moisture. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rainwater or other moisture from causing dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building.
(G) Overhead extensions. All canopies, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored. They shall be protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of weather-coating material such as paint or similar surface treatment.
(H) Chimneys. All chimneys and similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe, sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating material such as paint or similar surface treatment.
(I) Stairs and porches. Every stair, porch, balcony, and all attached appurtenances shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
(J) Window and doorframes. Every window, door, and frame shall be constructed and maintained to exclude rain as completely as possible, and to substantially exclude air infiltration.
(K) Weather tight. Every window and exterior door shall be fitted in its frame, be weather tight, substantially exclude air infiltration and rain, and be kept in sound condition and repair.
(L) Operable windows. Every habitable room shall have at least one operable window which provides a route for emergency escape. The window shall be capable of being easily opened.
(M) Insect screens. From May 15 to October 15 of each year every window or other outside opening used for ventilation purposes shall be supplied with approved screening. Every screen door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition, except that such screens shall not be required for outside doors of rental units that are air-conditioned, or provide access to common hallways of multi-family rental facilities.
(N) Door hardware. Every door which connects a rental unit with any area exterior to the unit shall have a functioning locking device, door hinge, and door latch and shall be maintained in good condition. Door locks in rental units shall be capable of tightly securing the door.
(O) Basement hatchways. Every basement or cellar hatchway shall be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage water into the structure.
(P) Guards for basement windows. Every basement or cellar window which is openable shall be supplied with rodent-proof shields, storm windows or other material affording protection against the entry of rodents.
(Q) Exterior handrails. Every stairwell and every flight of stairs, which is more than three steps high, shall have handrails or railings which shall be located as required by the Building Code, and every open portion of a stair, porch, landing or balcony which is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails. Every handrail and guardrail shall be maintained in good condition, be firmly fastened, and be capable of bearing normally imposed loads.
(Ord. 6424, passed 6-12-06) Penalty, see § 160.99