(A) General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.
(B) Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipping paint shall be eliminated from any surface. All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.
(1) Lead-based paint. The owner must comply with federal and state statutes and standards and local statutes and standards for the abatement of existing lead base paint and the application of lead base paint.
(C) Premises identification. Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall conform to the requirements set forth in Chapter 97 of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Code of Ordinances. All existing premises properly identified in accordance to the identification standards in effect at the passage of this code shall be allowed to keep such identification until they are replaced, and then shall comply with this section.
(D) Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.
(E) Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.
(F) Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.
(G) Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit water/moisture. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
(H) Decorative features. All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
(I) Signs, marquees, and awnings. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions of structures shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. They shall be protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of a weather-coating material such as paint or other protective equipment. All peeling, flaking and chipping paint shall be eliminated. All signs must be maintained in the same condition as permitted or approved or the sign must be removed.
(J) Overhang extensions. All overhang extensions including, but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment. All peeling, flaking and chipping paint shall be eliminated.
(K) Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.
(L) Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and 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 materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment
(M) Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition. Any alteration, modification, addition or replacement of a handrail or guard shall be in conformity with the applicable state building code requirements. Every exterior flight of stairs having more than four risers, and every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony, which is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) and no more than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing, walking surfaces or grade. Guards shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) high above the floor of the landing, balcony or grade.
(N) Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.
(1) Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.
(2) Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.
(O) Doors.
(1) All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guestrooms shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress doors shall be in accordance with § 156.201.
(2) Double cylinder dead bolts requiring a key operation on both sides are prohibited on required means of egress. Key operation is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the key cannot be removed when the door is locked from the side from which egress is to be made.
(P) Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water. This section does not apply to basement apartments as long as they are in full compliance with all other sections of this chapter.
(Q) Guards for basement windows. Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents. This section does not apply to basement apartments as long as they are in full compliance with all other sections of this chapter.
(R) Abandoned or dangerous sign. A premises may not have on site an abandoned permanent or temporary sign or a dangerous sign. A permanent, temporary or outdoor advertising sign is deemed abandoned when the sign advertises an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted or available on the premises on which the sign is located or on the premises referred to in the off-premise business sign. A temporary sign is deemed abandoned when the sign has not been removed within ten days after the event advertised on such sign has taken place. A sign is deemed dangerous when it becomes insecure, unsafe, dilapidated, or in danger of failing or collapsing, or when it constitutes a fire hazard or otherwise endangers human life or the public welfare; or when it is deemed unsafe by reason of illegal or improper use or maintenance.
(Jeff. Ord. 37-2002, adopted and effective 11-12-2002; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 215-2003, approved 12-15-2003; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 162-2004, approved 10-28-2004; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 125-2007, approved 7-2-2007)