(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 or create or add to blighting.
(B) Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with state’s Construction Code Act, being 35 P.S. §§ 7210.101 et seq., as amended for existing buildings:
(1) The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the effects or the required strength;
(2) The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effect;
(3) Structures or components thereof that have exceeded their expected useful lifetimes;
(4) Siding and masonry joints including joints between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights are not maintained, weather-resistant, or watertight;
(5) Structural members that have evidence of deterioration or that are not capable of safely supporting all nominal loads and load effects;
(6) Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings, are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored, or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(7) Exterior walls that are not anchored to supporting and supported elements or are not plumb and free of holes, cracks, or breaks and loose or rotting materials, are not properly anchored, or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(8) Roofing or roofing components that have defects that admit rain, roof surfaces with inadequate drainage, or any portion of the roof framing that is not in goad repair with signs of deterioration, fatigue, or without proper anchorage and incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(9) Flooring and flooring components with defects that affect serviceability or flooring components that show signs of deterioration or fatigue, are not properly anchored, or are incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(10) Veneer, cornices, belt courses, corbels, trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(11) Overhang extension or projections including, but not limited to, trash chutes, canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, and exhaust ducts not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;
(12) Exterior stairs, decks, porches, balconies, and all similar appurtenances attached thereto, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored, or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; or
(13) Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances not structurally sound or not properly anchored, or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
(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 be Arabic numerals. Numbers shall be a minimum of four inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch (12.7 mm).
(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 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 detects that admit rain. 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) 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.
(J) 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.
(K) 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 wether-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
(L) 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.
(M) Window, skylight, and door frames. Every window, skylight, door, and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair, and weather tight.
(N) Doors. All exterior doors, door assemblies, and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units, and guestrooms other than owner-occupied units shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress doors shall be in accordance with § 151.096(C).
(O) Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage water.
(P) 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.
(Q) Building security. Doors, windows, or hatchways for all dwelling units, room units, or housekeeping units except for owner-occupied units shall be provided with devices designed to provide security for the occupants and property within.
(1) Doors. Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit, or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased, or let shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock meeting specifications set forth herein. Such deadbolt locks shall be operated only by the turning of a knob or a key and shall have a lock throw of not less than one inch. For the purpose of this section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered an acceptable deadbolt lock. Such deadbolt locks shall be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications and maintained in good working order. All deadbolt locks required by this section shall be designed and installed in such a manner so as to be operable inside of the dwelling unit, rooming unit, or housekeeping unit without the use of a key, tool, combination thereof, or any other special knowledge or effort.
(2) Windows. Operable windows located in whole or in part within six feet (1,828 mm) above ground level or a walking surface below that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit, or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased, or let shall be equipped with window sash locking devices.
(3) Basement hatchways. Basement hatchways that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit, or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased, or let shall be equipped with devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.
(Ord. 2010-3, passed 8-31-2010)