(A) Generally. The owner’s responsibilities under this chapter are as set out in this section.
(B) Maintenance of structure.
(1) Sound condition. Every foundation, roof, floor, wall, ceiling, stair, step, elevator, handrail, porch, guardrail, sidewalk and appurtenance thereto shall be maintained in a safe and sound condition and shall be capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon.
(2) Weather-proof. Every foundation, floor exterior wall, interior door, window and roof shall be maintained in a reasonably weather-tight, water-tight, rodent-proof and insect-proof condition.
(3) Doors/windows. Every door and window, to include all hardware associated with every door and window, shall be maintained in good and functional condition and shall be capable of providing privacy.
(4) Interior. Every interior partition, wall, floor, ceiling and other interior surface shall be maintained so as to permit it to be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and, where appropriate, shall be capable of providing privacy.
(C) Maintenance of accessory structures. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof, window, exterior door and appurtenance of every accessory structure shall be so maintained as to prevent the structure from becoming a harborage for rats, or other vermin and shall be maintained in a reasonably water-tight, structurally-sound condition capable of withstanding imposing wind and snow loads.
(D) Drainage.
(1) Rainwater drainage. Rainwater shall be directed away from the building so as to prevent water damage to structure.
(2) Grading and drainage. Every premise shall be graded so no stagnant water will accumulate or stand thereon,
(3) Exception. This section shall not affect the existence or maintenance of approved storm water detention systems.
(E) Chimneys. Every chimney shall be adequately supported and maintained in a reasonable good state of repair.
(F) Protection of wood exterior surfaces.
(1) Generally. All exterior wood surfaces of a dwelling and it assessor structures, porches and similar appurtenances shall be protected from the elements against decay by non-lead paint or other approved protective covering.
(2) Exception. Any exterior wood surface comprised of a type of species of wood which resists or which has been treated to resist decay and infestation shall be exempted from the requirement of division (F)(l) above when approved by the Inspector.
(G) Egress from structure. Every means of egress shall be maintained in good condition and shall be free from obstruction at all times.
(H) Hanging screens and storm windows. The owner or operator of the premises shall be responsible for hanging all screens and storm windows, except when there is a written agreement between the owner and the occupant to the contrary. Any such agreement shall be available to the Inspector during the inspection of the dwelling. Screens shall be provided no later than May 1 of each year and storm windows shall be provided no later than November 1 of each year.
(I) Electrical system. The electrical system of every dwelling or accessory building shall not, by reason of overloading, dilapidation, lack of insulation, improper fusing or for any other cause, expose the occupants to hazards of electrical shock. The owner should allow tenant access to fusing and electrical disconnect means.
(J) Maintenance of plumbing fixtures. Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be maintained in a good and sanitary working condition. Water pressure shall be adequate to permit proper flow of water from all open outlets at all times, except during maintenance and repair.
(K) Maintenance of gas appliances and facilities.
(1) Gas piping. Every gas pipe shall be sound and tightly put together and shall be free of leaks, corrosion and obstruction causing reduced pressure or volume.
(2) Gas pressure. Gas pressure shall be adequate to permit a proper flow of gas from all open gas valves at all times, except during maintenance.
(L) Maintenance of heating and cooling facilities. The heating equipment of each dwelling shall be maintained in a good, safe working condition and shall be capable of heating all habitable rooms and bathrooms located therein to the minimum temperature required by this chapter. However, heating and cooling equipment shall not be required to be maintained in operational condition during what is considered to be the off-season periods.
(M) Floors. Every toilet room floor surface, bathroom floor surface and kitchen floor surface shall be maintained so as to permit them to be kept in a clean, dry and sanitary condition.
(N) Supplied facilities. No supplied facility shall be removed, shut off disconnected from any occupied dwelling unit or rooming unit, except for such temporary interruptions as may be necessary while actual repairs, replacement or alterations are being made, unless authorized by court order.
(O) Maintenance of sanitary facilities. All toilets, baths and lavatory basins shall be maintained in good working condition.
(P) Fire protection. All fire extinguishers and early warning fire safety systems shall be maintained in proper working order at all times. Smoke detectors shall be properly installed and maintained at all times. Anyone who fails to take immediate action to abate a hazard when notified by the code official shall be subject to citation.
(Q) Pest extermination. The owner or operator shall be responsible for extermination of pests when it is determined by the County Health Officer or his or her designated agent that the infestation is present in two or more dwelling units or rooming units within a dwelling.
(R) Units to be let only when clean and sanitary. No owner or operator shall permit occupancy of any vacant dwelling unit or rooming unit unless it is clean, sanitary and fit for human occupancy.
(S) Garbage disposal. Every owner or operator of a dwelling unit shall supply adequate facilities for the disposal of garbage in compliance with this chapter.
(T) Occupancy control. A dwelling unit shall not contain more than one family or more than four unrelated persons.
(U) Cooking in rooming units. No owner or operator shall knowingly allow the use of cooking equipment within any rooming unit, except for specifically supplied kitchens or kitchenettes meeting the provisions in this chapter.
(V) Tornado shelter. In multi-dwelling units, the owner of a dwelling unit shall identify and maintain a tornado shelter for use by occupants of each dwelling unit. The owner shall post a notice in each dwelling unit indicating the location of this site in relation to the dwelling unit.
(W) Address numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be a minimum of four inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch (12.7 mm).
(Ord. 2364, passed 9-3-2019)