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 structure 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, driveways of a concrete, asphalt, pavers, or similar surface which are of sound construction and properly maintained free of deterioration, potholes, broken, dilapidated or crumbling surfaces; 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, fire escapes, stairs, fronts, signs, windows, doors, awnings, marquees 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, marquees, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhanging extensions, including their supporting structures where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of ripping, tearing or deterioration. Prohibited and obsolete signs shall be removed or replaced pursuant to the applicable sections of this Code of Ordinances.
(c) Fences and Walls.
(1) 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.
(2) 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. All yards, courts, and lots shall be kept free of noxious weeds, 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 City Engineer. 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 trees and/or shrubs or discharge, empty or place any material fill or waste into any swale so as to impede or divert 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 the 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 industrial property, except when stored within a completely enclosed building or in a manner in conformance with this Code of Ordinances.
(j) Traffic Markings. All traffic markings such as directional arrows, lane division lines, parking space lines, stop signs, etc., shall be maintained so as to be clearly visible and easily recognized.
(k) Conduct of Business.
(1) All business activity, except for off-street loading, shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings.
(2) All storage of trash and garbage containers and/or dumpsters shall be effectively screened from view in a manner approved by the Enforcement Officer.
(3) All storage of materials, goods or products, including inoperable vehicles, shall be within a completely enclosed building.
EXCEPTION: Those businesses which are permitted or conditionally permitted under the terms of this Code of Ordinances to conduct business or maintain outdoor storage of materials, goods or products out-of-doors are excepted from compliance with division (k)(1) and this division (k)(3).
(l) Exterior Light Fixtures. Exterior lighting fixtures over steps, paths, walkways, courts, drives and parking lots shall be neatly maintained in operable condition and lighted for sufficient periods of time before and after working hours to provide for pedestrian and employee safety and properly aimed so as not to shine on adjacent properties, per local zoning regulation.
(m) Sanitation. All exterior property areas and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
(n) Swimming Pools. All swimming pools and surrounding deck areas shall be maintained so as to prevent the collection of stagnant, foul, putrid or pest- infested water.
(o) Open Fires. Open fires shall be prohibited except as specifically approved by the Fire Administrator or his or her designee.
(Ord. 04-24. Passed 5-17-04; Ord. 07-30. Passed 7-16-07.)