1327.13 EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS.

   No owner, operator or resident agent of any premises shall maintain or permit to be maintained at or on the exterior property areas of such premises any condition which deteriorates or debases the appearance of the neighborhood, reduces property values in the neighborhood, adversely alters the appearance and general character of the neighborhood, creates a fire, safety or health hazard, or which is a public nuisance. Such conditions include but are not limited to the following:

   (a)   Accumulation of litter;

   (b)   Broken or dilapidated fences, walls or other structures;

   (c)   Out of use or nonusable appliances and machinery;

   (d)   Rugs, rags or other materials hung on lines or in other places on the premises, which materials are not being used for general household or housekeeping purposes;

   (e)   Broken, dilapidated or unusable furniture, mattresses or other household furniture, broken glass, plastic material, paints, miscellaneous coverings and/or any other materials, including those described in this section, placed at or on the premises in such a manner as to be patently unsightly, grotesque or offensive to the senses;

   (f)   Lawns and landscaping shall be so maintained so as not to constitute a blighting or deteriorating effect on the neighborhood;

   (g)   Lots with structures shall maintain grass, brush, briars, burrs, Russian and Canadian thistles at a height not to exceed ten inches;

   (h)   No building material or materials, earth, sand or dirt intended for use in landscaping, gardening or construction shall be left standing open or covered upon any premises for a period of time not to exceed one month without specific written authorization from the Safety-Service Director or other designated official;

   (i)   Drainage 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 the understory to retard runoff and prevent erosion.

      (Ord. 80-98. Passed 12-21-98.)