(a) All buildings and the exterior of all premises shall be properly maintained to achieve a presentable appearance and to avoid blighting effects and hazardous conditions.
(b) The exterior open space around each dwelling shall be maintained or so improved as to provide for:
(1) The immediate diversion of water away from buildings and proper drainage of the lot;
(2) Grass, plantings or other suitable ground cover to prevent soil erosion which is or may become detrimental to the structures, lot use or adjacent lots and structures; and
(3) Yard-walks, parking areas, driveways and exterior steps which are of sound construction and maintained free of defects.
(c) The exterior of all premises and every structure thereon, including, but not limited to, walls, roofs, corners, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, store fronts, signs, windows, doors, awnings, marquees and all surfaces thereof shall be maintained so as to avoid any blighting effects on neighboring properties and shall be painted or protected with approved coatings, where necessary, for the purpose of preservation.
(d) All canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, porches, balconies and similar overhanging extensions, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or deterioration.
(e) All fences, retaining walls or similar structures shall be anchored firmly in the ground and shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner and maintained in that same manner so that such approved fences, retaining walls or similar structures are always in a state of good structural repair. If any fence, retaining wall or similar structure is found not to be in a state of good structural repair, it shall be removed, replaced or repaired.
(f) All fences shall be treated periodically with paint or chemicals so as to retard deterioration, unless a fence is composed of a material whose appearance and maintenance would be enhanced by a natural weathering effect or other natural effects.
(g) All yards, courts and lots shall be kept free of debris and other materials which may cause a fire, health or safety hazard or general unsightliness.
(h) All steps, paths, walkways, porches, drives and parking areas shall be so constructed and maintained as to ensure safety and as to keep them from deteriorating and blighting effects. If any such area, by reason of its state of repair, constitutes a danger to health or safety, it shall be repaired or replaced.
(i) Hazards and unsanitary conditions shall be eliminated.
(j) No temporary building, trailer, recreational vehicle, tent or garage, in the course of construction, shall be used temporarily or permanently as a residence of any person.
(k) All businesses, servicing or processing, except for off-street loading, shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings. Businesses such as outdoor cafes may be excepted upon approval. All storage of materials, goods or products, including inoperative vehicles, shall be within enclosed buildings or shall be effectively screened from view in an approved manner.
(l) In residential areas, all outdoor storage of any kind, including inoperative vehicles, for a continuous period exceeding seven days, shall be enclosed or obscured from view. The storage of standard items, such as firewood and bicycles, shall be exempt from this provision.
(m) All portions of all premises shall be so graded that there is no pooling of water or recurrent entrance of water into any part of any building. All condensate and waste cooling water shall be appropriately discharged into a drainage system.
(n) Swales are to be maintained by the owners of the parcels on which they are located. No person shall discharge, empty or place any material or waste into any swale. Small swales can be mowed as part of a yard. Larger swales, in meadow situations, shall be mowed less frequently in order to allow grasses to grow taller, to retard run-off and prevent erosion. Swales in woodland areas shall be left in their natural condition, leaving the understory to retard run-off and prevent erosion.
(o) All plant materials, especially trees and shrubs, afflicted with decay, disease, insect infestation or otherwise considered dangerous to other plant material, shall be removed or appropriately treated and “high risk” trees shall be removed.
(Ord. 11-1977, passed 5-16-1977)