The exterior of all premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances and hazards to the safety of the occupants thereof, pedestrians and other persons utilizing the premises and shall be kept free of unsanitary conditions. Any of the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner, operator and occupant within a reasonable time. The owner, operator and occupant shall keep the premises free of hazards and in compliance with the following:
(a) Refuse. Exterior property areas of all premises shall be kept free of any debris, object, material or condition which may create a health, accident or fire hazard or which is a public nuisance or which constitutes a blighting or deteriorating influence on the neighborhood. Brush, broken glass, stumps, roots, filth, garbage, trash, debris and motor vehicles, boats or trailers in a condition of disrepair or deterioration of parts thereof, shall not be permitted on any property.
(b) Natural Growth. Lawns, landscaping and trees shall be maintained so as not to constitute a blighting or deteriorating effect in the neighborhood. Dead and dying trees or limbs and other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof, are not permitted on any property. Trees shall be pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
(c) Overhangings. Loose and overhanging objects which, by reason of their location above ground level, constitute a danger because they may fall on persons or property in the vicinity thereof, are not permitted.
(d) Ground Surface Hazards. Holes, excavations, breaks, projections and obstructions at any place on the premises, which are a hazard to persons using the premises, are not permitted.
(e) Recurring Accumulations of Storm Water. Natural drainage or adequate run-off drains shall be provided and maintained to eliminate recurrent or excessive accumulations of storm water.
(f) Maintenance of Foundations.
(1) Foundations of every dwelling structure shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
(2) Foundations of every dwelling structure shall be maintained in such condition as to prevent the seepage or leaking of water within the space enclosed within such foundations.
(3) Openings into the foundations of every dwelling structure shall be protected against the entrance of rodents.
(g) Chimneys and Flue and Vent Attachments. Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto shall be maintained structurally sound, free from defects and so as to capably perform, at all times, the functions for which they were designed. Chimneys, flues, gas vents or other draft-producing equipment shall provide sufficient draft to develop the rated output of the connected equipment and shall be structurally safe, durable, smoketight and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases.
(h) Exterior Porches, Landings, Balconies, Stairs and Fire Escapes. Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes shall be provided with bannisters or railings properly designed and maintained to minimize the hazard of persons falling therefrom, and the same shall be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects.
(i) Condition of Exterior of Premises and Structures. The exterior of all structures and the premises shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all buildings thereon reflects a level of maintenance in keeping with the area, so that the condition of the premises and the structures does not constitute a blighting factor for the adjoining property owners, nor an element leading to the progressive deterioration and downgrading of the area. All replacements and repairs shall match and conform to the original design if not replaced completely.
(j) Landscaping. All premises and vacant land shall be kept landscaped. Lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept trimmed and shall not be permitted to overgrow and become unsightly.
(k) Signs. Signs permitted by other regulations or as a lawful nonconforming use shall be maintained in good repair. Printed matter, pictures or illustrations contained on such signs shall be completely maintained or, when no longer in use, completely removed.
(l) Reconstruction of Walls and Siding. Reconstruction of walls and siding shall be of standard quality and appearance commensurate with the character of the property in the area, and the material used shall not be of a kind that by its appearance, under prevailing appraisal practices and standards, it depreciates the value of neighboring and adjoining premises.
(m) General Maintenance. The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including fences, shall be maintained in good repair, and all surfaces thereof shall be kept painted when necessary for purposes of preservation and appearance.
Such exteriors shall be maintained free of broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint or any other condition reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance to the end that the property itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated, and adjoining properties and the neighborhood protected from blighting influences.
(n) Store Fronts. Store fronts shall be kept in good repair, painted where required and shall not constitute a safety hazard or nuisance. If repairs to a store front become necessary, such repairs shall be made with the same or similar materials used in the construction of the store front in such a manner as to permanently repair the damaged area. Any cornice visible above a store front shall be kept painted, where required, and in good repair.
(o) Structural Soundness and General Maintenance. Every building, accessory structure and part thereof shall be kept structurally sound and in a state of good repair to avoid safety, health or fire hazards, including:
(1) Exterior walls, siding and roofs. Exterior walls, siding and roofs shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects.
(2) Painting and other protective coating. Exposed surfaces susceptible to decay shall be kept at all times painted or otherwise provided with a protective coating sufficient to prevent deterioration.
(3) Weathertightness and watertightness. Every dwelling shall be so maintained as to be weathertight and watertight.
(4) Exterior walls, roofs, etc. Exterior walls, roofs, windows, window frames, doors. door frames, foundations and other parts of the structure shall be so maintained as to keep water from entering the structure. Damaged materials shall be repaired or replaced promptly. Places showing signs of rot, leakage, deterioration or corrosion are to be restored and protected against weathering or seepage. (Ord. 1980-56. Passed 11-25-80.)
(5) Roofs, Gutters, Downspouts and Rain Barrels.
A. Roofs of dwelling structures shall be maintained weathertight and shall be equipped with gutters and downspouts connected to a public storm sewer. However, this requirement shall be waived for existing buildings if the drainage does not cause excessive erosion or water damage or does not create a nuisance on public or private property.
B. As an alternate to the requirements set forth in subsection (o)(5)A. hereof, one or more downspout(s) may be diverted into an approve rain barrel provided that overflow from such appurtenance is directed back into the downspout. Rain barrels shall be covered at all times and shall not cause a public or private nuisance. Rain barrels shall not be installed in the front yard setback. Rain barrels are to be screened so as not to be visible from the public right of way. Only one rain barrel may be installed at each downspout. Rain barrel installations require the review and approval of the Building Commissioner and City Engineer. Plans submitted for review and approval shall include details of the type, size, and location of the rain barrel, including the method of connecting the overflow back to the downspout along with a landscaping plan if necessary to screen the rain barrel from view from the public right of way. (Ord. 2012-26. Passed 4-24-12.)
(p) Freedom from Infestation. All parts of the premises shall be maintained so as to prevent infestation.
(Ord. 1980-56. Passed 11-25-80.)