§ 155.07 VACANT BUILDING MAINTENANCE STANDARDS; EXCEPTIONS.
   (A)   Lot maintenance standards. The lot any vacant building stands on, and the surrounding public way, shall be maintained as follows:
      (1)   All grass and weeds on the premises, including the abutting sidewalks, gutters and alleys, shall be kept below eight inches in height, and all dead or broken trees, tree limbs or shrubbery shall be cut and removed from the premises.
      (2)   The premises shall be maintained free of any accumulation of litter.
      (3)   No portion of the premises shall be maintained or operated in any manner that causes or produces any health or safety hazard or permits the premises to become rodent harborage or is conducive to rodent harborage.
      (4)   The lot shall be maintained so that water does not accumulate or stand on the ground.
      (5)   All fences and gates shall be maintained in good repair.
      (6)   The lot should be maintained free of any accumulation of snow or ice which would impede access to the building; and any adjacent sidewalks should be cleared of accumulation of snow or ice.
   (B)   Exterior maintenance standards. The exterior of any vacant building shall be enclosed, secured and maintained as follows:
      (1)   Structure openings. Doors, windows, areaways and other openings shall be weather tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin and trespassers. Missing or broken doors, windows and other such openings shall be covered by glass or other rigid transparent materials, which are weather protected, and tightly fitted and secured to the opening.
      (2)   Roofs. The roof and flashings shall be sound and tight, not admit moisture or have defects which might admit moisture, rain or roof drainage, and allow for drainage to prevent dampness or deterioration in the interior walls or interior of the structure.
      (3)   Drainage. The structure storm drainage system shall be functional and installed in a manner consistent with village regulations and allow discharge in a manner consistent with village regulations.
      (4)   Structure. The structure shall be in good repair, not in violation of village regulations, structurally sound and free from debris, rubbish and garbage. The structure shall be sanitary. The structure shall not pose a threat to the public health and safety.
      (5)   Structural members. The structural members shall be free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads.
      (6)   Foundation walls. The foundation walls shall be structurally sound and in a sanitary condition so as not to pose a threat to public health and safety. The walls shall be capable of supporting the load of normal use and shall be free from open cracks and breaks, free from leaks and be rodent proof.
      (7)   Exterior walls. The exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks and loose or rotting materials. Exposed metal, wood, or other surfaces 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.
      (8)   Decorative features. The cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be safe, anchored and in good repair. Exposed metal, wood or other surfaces 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.
      (9)   Overhanging extensions. All balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar features shall be in good repair, anchored, safe and sound. Exposed metal and wood surfaces 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.
      (10)   Chimneys and towers. Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks and similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe and in good repair. Exposed metal and wood surfaces 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.
   (C)   Interior maintenance standards. The interior of any vacant building shall be maintained as follows:
      (1)   Free from any accumulation of litter, garbage or refuse or any other materials, objects or items that may produce any health, fire, or safety hazard, or that may provide harborage for rodents or other animals on the premises;
      (2)   Every foundation, roof, floor, wall, stair, ceiling, and any other structural support shall be safe and capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon, and shall be kept in sound condition and in good repair; floors and stairs shall be free of holes, grooves, and cracks that could be potentially hazardous;
      (3)   All plumbing fixtures shall be maintained with no leaking pipes; and all pipes for water shall be either completely drained or heated to resist being frozen;
      (4)   Every exit door shall be secured with an internal deadbolt lock, or with a locking mechanism deemed equivalent or better by the Administrator, and every exit door shall be capable of being opened from the inside easily without the use of a key or special knowledge;
      (5)   The premises shall be free from any insects, rodents and other vermin.
(Ord. 21-03, passed 4-26-21)