Each and every premise shall be kept free of all nuisances, health, safety, and fire hazards, unsanitary conditions, and infestation. It shall be the duty of the responsible party to keep the premises free of all said conditions and to promptly remove and abate same, which include but are not limited to the following declared nuisances:
A. Weeds or grasses allowed to grow to a height greater than six (6) inches; or any accumulation of dead weeds or grass on any non-farm property which is not within the jurisdiction of the County Weed Commissioner.
B. Accumulation of refuse not stored in suitable collection containers.
C. Any structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation or the use for which it was constructed; kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health of people residing therein or in the vicinity thereof; any structure defined as abandoned or a public nuisance by Chapter 657A, Code of Iowa.
D. Mud, dirt, gravel or other debris or matter, whether organic or inorganic, deposited in a quantity judged by an Enforcement Officer to be a threat to public safety or to cause pollution, obstruction or siltation of drainage systems, or to violate solid waste disposal regulations.
E. Failure to establish a permanent cover of perennial grasses or ornamental ground cover on any non-farm property as soon as practical after any construction, and to thereafter maintain same in such condition as to substantially bind the surface of the soil and prevent erosion, whether by sheet or gullying, or by wind or water, provided, however that exception shall be permitted for densely shaded areas, landscape beds, and gardens, provided that vegetable gardens and agricultural crops shall not be placed in the front yard of a non-farm property, unless it can be demonstrated that no other viable location exists on the premises because of topography, natural vegetation, or similar circumstances out of the resident's control.
F. Any nuisance as defined herein or described as such by Chapter 657 of the Code of Iowa.
G. Conditions which are conducive to the harborage or breeding of vermin.
H. Facilities for the storage or processing of sewage, such as privies, vaults, sewers, private drains, septic tanks, cesspools, and drain fields, which have failed or do not function properly, as may be evidenced by overflow, leakage, seepage, or emanation of odors, or which do not comply with the Hardin County Department of Health regulations. Septic tanks, cisterns, and cesspools which are no longer in use shall be removed or emptied and filled with clean dirt or sand.
I. Fences or retaining walls that are not structurally sound or which are deteriorating, as may be evidenced by leaning or loose elements.
J. Dead or diseased trees or other woody vegetation which may lead to the spread of the disease to other specimens or pose a threat to safety or buildings; major parts thereof, such as a limb, which may be dead or broken or otherwise pose a threat of safety or buildings on adjoining premises; any vegetation located on private property which overhangs and is less and fifteen (15') feet above the traveled portion of any public street, or less than eight (8') feet vertically, or which protrudes into any public sidewalk.
K. Loose, overhanging objects or accumulations of ice or snow, which by reason of location above ground level constitute a danger of falling on persons in the vicinity thereof.
L. Any inoperable vehicle which is exposed to public view, unless located on the premises of a lawfully operated junk yard or undergoing repairs in an expeditious manner at a vehicle repair business. (Ord. 20-3, 713-2020)