The exterior of all buildings governed by this chapter shall be properly maintained in accordance with the following minimum standards and the standards contained in § 96.26.
(A) Foundations.
(1) Every foundation shall be watertight, weathertight and rodent-proof.
(2) Every foundation shall be structurally sound and capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon and shall be kept in a good state of repair.
(3) All permitted exterior openings in the foundation shall be covered with corrosive-resistant, rodent-proof shield or wire mesh screen with not more than 1/16-inch openings.
(B) Exterior walls.
(1) Every external wall shall be free of holes, breaks or cracks which could constitute or contribute to a violation of this chapter, and shall be free of any loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rainwater or dampness to the interior.
(2) Every external wall shall be watertight, weathertight and rodent-proof.
(3) Every external wall shall be structurally sound and capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon and shall be kept in a good state of repair.
(4) Every external wall with wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective coverings or treatment.
(5) Every external wall without wood surfaces must be painted in accordance with acceptable standards and all siding material must be kept in a good state of repair.
(6) All permitted exterior openings other than doors and windows in the exterior wall shall be covered with a corrosive-resistant, rodent-proof shield or wire mesh screen with not more than 1/16-inch openings.
(C) Roofs.
(1) Every roof shall be free of holes, breaks, loose tile or shingles or rotting boards or timber and other conditions which might admit rainwater or dampness to the interior.
(2) Every roof shall be watertight, weathertight and rodent-proof.
(3) Every roof shall be structurally sound and kept in a good state of repair.
(4) Every roof with wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant wood, shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective covering or treatment.
(5) Every roof should be so designed and maintained to provide proper drainage of rainwater and prevent standing water.
(6) Gutters and downspouts, where in existence shall be maintained in a good state of repair and properly maintained.
(7) Every roof shall be free of debris, trash and refuse and there shall be no storage of any items or materials.
(D) Windows.
(1) Every window other than a fixed window shall be capable of being easily opened and closed, be equipped with fully operable hardware, have a functional locking device and kept in good working condition.
(2) Every window other than a fixed window shall be properly fitted with a screen of not less than 16 mesh per inch on a frame. All screens shall be free of holes, tears or other defects and maintained in a good state of repair.
(3) Every window shall be weathertight, maintained without cracks and/or holes and kept in a good state of repair.
(4) Every window shall be maintained in such relation to the adjacent window frame as to completely exclude all weather conditions, insects, vermin and rodents to the interior.
(5) Every window frame shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall as to completely exclude all weather conditions, insects, vermin and rodents to the interior.
(E) Exterior doors.
(1) Every exterior door shall be capable of being easily opened and closed, be equipped with fully operable hardware, have a functional locking device and kept in a good state of repair.
(2) Every exterior door and supplied screen door shall be weathertight, weatherproof rodent-proof and maintained without holes, breaks or cracks which could constitute or contribute to a violation of this chapter, and kept in a good state of repair.
(3) Every exterior door and supplied screen door shall be maintained in such relation to the adjacent door frame and floor as to completely exclude all weather conditions, insects, vermin and rodents to the interior.
(4) Every exterior door frame and supplied screen shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall as to completely exclude all weather conditions insects, vermin and rodents to the interior.
(5) Every supplied screen door shall be properly fitted with screens not less than 16 mesh per inch.
(6) Every exterior door shall be free of holes, breaks, cracks and shall be free of any loose, warped, protruding, rotten or missing materials and shall be kept in good state of repair.
(7) Exterior door frames shall be properly maintained and shall be affixed with weather-stripping and thresholds as required to be substantially weathertight, watertight and rodent- and insect-resistant when the door is in a closed position.
(8) Exterior door jambs, stops, headers and moldings shall be securely attached to the structure, maintained in good condition without splitting or deterioration that would minimize the strength and security of the door in a closed position.
(F) Porches, balconies, decks, exterior stairs, exterior walkways and exterior appurtenances.
(1) Every porch, balcony, deck, exterior stairs, walkways and every appurtenance thereto shall be constructed and maintained as to be safe and capable of supporting the loads for which it is intended and used, and shall be kept in a good state of repair.
(2) All protective railings or protective handrails shall be properly installed and shall be capable of supporting the load for which it is intended and subjected and kept in a good state of repair.
(G) Protective treatment and general appearance.
(1) All exterior surfaces, other than decay-resistant wood, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment.
(2) All siding shall be weather-resistant and weathertight.
(3) All masonry joints shall be sufficiently tuck-pointed to insure watertightness and airtightness.
(4) All exterior walls shall be free of graffiti.
(H) Electrical. All electrical switches, electrical outlets and other electrical fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained so as to avoid the possibility and danger of electrical shock and must be maintained in good working condition.
(I) Lighting. Every public hall, public stairway and other similar public space or similar public area located on the exterior of the building shall be provided with the properly installed electrical lighting facilities capable of providing illumination throughout. Such facilities shall be controlled by, and available to the occupants at all times except for buildings containing three or more rental units, in which case the areas covered by this subsection shall be completely lit at all times.
(J) Plumbing.
(1) All plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and properly connected to an approved water, sewer or gas system. Where a sewer system is not available, drain lines shall be connected to an approved septic tank.
(2) Every plumbing fixture, water pipe, waste pipe, gas line and drain line shall be maintained in good working condition and free of leaks, defects and obstructions.
(K) Supplied facilities and equipment. Every supplied facility and piece of equipment to be utilized by a tenant or occupant shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe, sanitary and good working condition.
(Ord. 96-67, passed 5-14-96; Am. Ord. 2012-62, passed 7-24-12; Am. Ord. 2013-25, passed 11-27-12)