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.
(a) Exterior Space. The exterior open space around each dwelling shall be maintained or so improved so 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;
(3) Yard-walks, parking areas, and driveways of a concrete, asphalt, pavers or similar surface which are of sound construction and properly maintained; and
(4) Exterior steps which are of sound construction and properly maintained free of hazardous conditions.
(b) Maintenance. The exterior of all premises and every structure thereon including but not limited to walls, roofs, cornices, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, signs, windows, doors, awnings, and all surfaces thereof, shall be maintained so as to avoid any blighting effects on neighboring properties and shall be painted or protected where necessary for the purpose of preservation. All canopies, 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 ripping, tearing, or deterioration.
(c) Fences and Walls. All fences, retaining walls, or similar structures shall be anchored firmly in the ground, shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner and maintained in that same manner so that such approved fences, retaining walls, or similar structures shall always be in the state of good structural repair. If any fence, retaining wall, or similar structure is found not to be in the state of good structural repair, it shall be removed, replaced, or repaired as required. Except when constructed of materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated, all fences shall be treated periodically with paint or chemicals so as to retard deterioration.
(d) Yards. Consistent with the requirements of Chapter 557 of the Codified Ordinances, all yards, courts, and lots shall be kept free of overgrown grasses, debris and other materials which may cause a fire, health, safety hazard, or general unsightliness.
(e) Hazards. Hazards and unsanitary conditions shall be eliminated.
(f) Occupancy. No temporary buildings, trailers, recreational vehicles, tents, or garages shall be used temporarily or permanently as a residence in the course of construction.
(g) Drainage. 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 except when such pooling or retention of water is part of a plan approved by the Village consistent with the requirements of Section 1140.05 and Chapter 1171 of the Codified Ordinances. All condensate and waste cooling water shall be appropriately discharged into an approved drainage system.
(h) Drainage Swales. Swales are to be maintained by the owners of the parcels on which they are located, and at no time will anyone plant shrubs and/or trees, or discharge, empty, or place any material, fill or waste into any swale so as to divert or impede drainage flow. Small swales can be mowed as part of the yard. Larger swales in meadow situations should be mowed less frequently in order to allow grasses to grow taller to retard runoff and prevent erosion. Swales in woodland areas should be left in their natural condition leaving understory growth to retard runoff and prevent erosion.
(i) Junk, Inoperable or Unlicensed Vehicle. No junk, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicle shall be located on any residential property, except when stored within a completely enclosed building.
(Ord. 08-117. Passed 9-4-08.)