(a) General Provisions. No dwelling or dwelling unit shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of the Housing Code relating to foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, general sanitation and safety unless it complies with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) Foundation. Every foundation shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight, and rodent proof; shall be capable of affording privacy; and shall be kept in safe repair so as to adequately support the building at all points.
(c) Floors. Every floor shall be free of holes and wide cracks which might admit rodents, or which constitute a possible accident hazard; and shall be free of loose, warpped, protruding and rotting floor boards.
(d) Exterior Walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards and timbers and any other conditions which might admit rodents, rain, snow, or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the interior spaces of the dwelling.
(e) Interior Walls and Ceilings. Every interior wall and ceiling shall be free of holes and large cracks; and shall be free of loose plaster and other structural material, the collapse of which might constitute an accident hazard.
(f) Plaster and Paint. Plaster, paint, and all other surface materials used on the interior walls and ceilings shall be of such character as to be easily cleanable, and reasonably smooth, clean and tight. All exterior walls, siding, and surfaces shall be free of scaled, cracked, blistered, and loose paint; and shall be adequately covered, painted or preserved to prevent deterioration or rotting. (Ord. 41-1989. Passed 3-20-89.)
(g) Roofs, Gutters and Downspouts. All roofs of every structure shall be maintained weather-tight and shall be equipped with gutters and downspouts maintained in good repair, and connected to a public storm sewer or approved retention system, or terminate at the curb or on splash blocks.
(Ord. 35-2009. Passed 3-2-09.)
(h) Chimney. All chimneys shall be adequately flashed, or sealed at the point of junction with the roof to prevent leakage; and shall be free from loose brick and open mortar joints, plumb with the vertical and structurally safe.
(i) Door Regulations. Every exterior door, door hinge, and door latch shall be in good condition; and every exterior door, when closed, shall fit reasonably well within its frame.
(j) Windows and Doors Constructed to Exclude Wind or Rain. All windows and doors and their frames shall be constructed and maintained in such relationship to wall construction so as to completely exclude rain and snow and substantially exclude wind from entering the structure; and shall be kept in sound working condition and safe repair.
(k) Stair Treads. The treads of every flight of stairs shall be uniform, sound and securely fastened in position, and shall be strong enough to bear a concentrated load of at least 400 pounds without danger of breaking through.
(l) Porches and Outside Stairs. Every outside stair, every porch and every appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting a concentrated load of at least 400 pounds without danger of breaking through; and shall be kept in sound condition and safe repair.
(m) Plumbing. Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained in good sanitary working condition free from defects, leaks and obstructions.
(n) Water Closet Compartment, Bathroom Floor Surfaces. Every water closet compartment floor surface and bathroom floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(o) Facilities, Equipment and Utilities. Every supplied facility, piece of equipment or utility which is required under this Housing Code shall be so constructed or installed that it will function safely and effectively and shall be maintained in satisfactory working condition.
(p) Removing or Shutting Off Utilities of Facilities. No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service facility equipment or utility which is required under this Housing Code to be removed, cut off, or discontinued for any occupied dwelling let or occupied by him, except for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in process, or during temporary emergencies.
(q) Stagnant Water, Cisterns, Septic Tanks and Water Wells. No stagnant water shall be allowed to accumulate or stand anywhere about the premises. All cisterns, septic tanks and water wells in use shall be adequately covered, protected and marked so as not to create a safety hazard. Unused cisterns, septic tanks, and water wells shall be drained and filled with gravel, sand, or clean fill dirt.
(r) Yards, Courts and Areaways. All front, side and rear yards or courts and areaways shall be free of dirt, dust, garbage, human or animal fecal matter, garbage, junk or trash.
(s) Fences, Garages, Shed and Outbuildings. All fences, lattices, garages, sheds, storage sheds and other outbuildings shall be maintained in a state of good repair. The Housing Inspector may order the removal of these structures that are dilapidated or deteriorated.
(t) Compliance Prior to Occupancy or Lease; Rights and Liabilities. No owner shall maintain, occupy or let to any other occupant any dwelling unit unless it meets all the requirements of this Housing Code. However, none of the provisions of this Housing Code shall be construed to alter the existing rights and liabilities of landlords and tenants, at law, as such rights and liabilities relate to the maintenance and repair of the dwellings and dwelling units covered by this Housing Code.
(Ord. 41-1989. Passed 3-20-89.)