(a) Council and the administration of the City are deeply concerned about environmental problems developing within closely built-up urban areas. It is the desire of Council, therefore, to provide for the residents of this City, a clean, healthy, safe and protected environment in which to live. There have been found to exist within the City premises the structures used for residential and nonresidential use which are substandard, and that such conditions as viewed exhibit: exterior structural deterioration; lack of maintenance and appearance of premises and land areas; a disregard for proper maintenance of business and industrial property areas in storage of equipment and supplies; existence of fire hazards and unsightly, unsanitary conditions which constitute a menace and threat to the health, safety, morals, public welfare, comfort and well-being of the people of the City.
(b) It is hereby determined and declared by Council that because of the lack of property maintenance of the exterior of structures and premises, and permissive and progressive property deterioration, certain properties within this City are creating blighting conditions, initiating slums and fostering an unsanitary and unsightly environment.
(c) Council believes that unless these blighting, deteriorating, unsanitary and unsightly conditions, factors and characteristics are curtailed, removed and prevented from occurring in the future, they will lead to the continuation, extension and aggravation of urban blight.
(d) A thoughtful study of this Real Property Maintenance Code should serve to dispel impressions that it is repressive, punitive or aimed at total conformity. It is, in reality, the City's first effort to set a City-wide tone of orderliness and tidiness which are important elements in bringing about quality development and growth.
(Ord. 57-93. Passed 5-25-93.)