The following standards are applicable to all residential structures, dwelling units, residential portions of mixed use structures and all dwelling units located in commercial buildings.
(a) Structural Soundness and Maintenance of Dwellings. Every foundation, exterior wall, and roof of every dwelling shall be so maintained and be kept in good repair and in safe condition so as to make all occupied rooms and other interior areas weather-tight, water-tight, rodent-proof and so as to be fit for human habitation and so as to not adversely affect the neighborhood in which they are located. Good repair, maintenance, and safe condition shall include but is not limited to the following:
(1) Foundations. Foundations shall support the building at all points and shall be free of all holes and cracks which admit rodents or lessen the capability of the foundation to support the building.
(2) Exterior walls and surfaces. Exterior walls and other exterior surface materials shall be free of holes, cracks, loose or rooting boards and timbers or any other condition which might admit rodents, rain or dampness to the interior of the dwelling.
(3) Windows. Windows shall be fully supplied with window glass or an approved substitute which is glazed and is without open cracks or holes, shall have sashes in good condition which fit within frames, and maintained so as to exclude adverse weather elements from entering the structure.
(4) Exterior doors. Doors shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound, fit within frames so as to be weatherproof, windproof, and waterproof and be provided with door hinges and door latches which are in good working condition.
(5) Roof. Roof members, covering and flashing shall be structurally sound and right so as to prevent the entrance of moisture and be maintained by renewal, repair, waterproofing, or other suitable means. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from being discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance or adversely affects adjacent properties. Roof drainage shall be discharges to the storm sewer system when practicable.
(6) Gutters. Rain gutters, downspouts, leaders or other means of water diversion shall be provided to collect/conduct and discharge all water from the roof and maintained so as not to leak or cause dampness in the walls, ceiling, or basements or adversely affect adjacent properties. Downspout discharges that tie to storm sewer system must have a cleanout installed prior to the entering the Road Right of Way or Drainage Easement.
(7) Sump Pumps. Sump pumps if required are to be discharges to storm sewer systems. They cannot adversely affect adjacent properties.
(8) Pools. Pools may be drained onto natural ground at a metered rate as to allow the water percolate into the soils. However, if it is adversely affecting adjacent properties then the pool must be discharged directly to the storm sewer. Such discharge shall only be permitted when the chlorine residual is below the lowest measurable value of the typical home test kit (usually 0.5 mg/L chlorine).
(9) Chimneys. Chimneys shall be free of cracks, holes, or missing portions and maintained in sound condition.
(10) Porch. Every porch shall be so maintained so as to be free of missing, defective, rotting or deteriorated foundations, support, floors, other members, and stops thereto, so as to be safe to use and kept in sound condition and in good repair.
(11) Structural member. Any structural member of a structure which has become deteriorated or damaged to the extent that it does not serve the purpose as originally intended shall be renewed, restored, repaired, or replaced as is necessary to serve the purpose as originally intended.
(12) Exterior surfaces. Except for materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated, all exterior wood, composition or metal surfaces shall be protected from the elements by paint or other protective covering. Surfaces shall be maintained so as to be kept clean and free of flaking, loose, or peeling paint or covering.
(13) Basement. Basement or cellar hatchways shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage into the dwelling.
(14) Decorative features. All cornices, entablatures, bell courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
(Ord. 67-2019. Passed 6-27-19.)
(b) Exterior Property and Structure Exteriors. All buildings and the exterior of all premises shall be properly maintained to achieve a presentable appearance and to avoid blighting effects and hazardous conditions.
(1) Maintenance. The exterior of all premises and every structure thereon including but not limited to walls, roofs, cornices, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, signs, windows, doors, awnings, and all surfaces thereof, shall be maintained so as to avoid any blighting effects on neighboring properties and shall be painted or protected where necessary for the purpose of preservation. All canopies, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, porches, balconies, and similar overhanging extensions, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of ripping, tearing, or deterioration.
(2) Fences and walls. All fences or similar structures shall always be in the state of good structural repair. If any fences, retaining wall, or similar structure is found not to be in the state of good structural repair, it shall be removed, replaced, or repaired as required. Except when constructed of materials that have been designed or manufactured to remain untreated, all fences shall be treated periodically with paint or chemicals so as to retard deterioration.
(3) Yards. All yards, courts, and lots shall be kept free of debris and other materials which may cause a fire, health, or safety hazard, or general unsightliness.
(4) Hazards. Hazards and unsanitary conditions shall be eliminated.
(5) Storage. Outside storage is permitted only in accordance with the provisions of the Tallmadge Zoning Code and in compliance with Chapter 521 of the Tallmadge Codified Ordinances.
(6) Drainage swales. Swales are to be maintained by a homeowners’ association or 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. Smaller 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 understory growth to retard runoff and prevent erosion.
(7) Junk, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicle. No junk, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicle as defined in Section 303.10 shall be located on any residential property, except when stored within a completely enclosed building.
(c) Stairways.
(1) Exterior stairways. All exterior stairways on all residential premises shall be in accordance with the following provisions:
A. Stairways shall be maintained free of holes, grooves, and cracks which constitute a safety hazard;
B. Stairways shall be maintained free of rotted or deteriorated supports;
C. Stairways shall have treads of uniform width and risers of uniform height; and
D. Stairway handrails and/or railings shall be firmly fastened and maintained in good condition. Where the absence of handrails and/or railings create a hazardous condition, the Enforcement Officer may require their installation in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code.
(d) Accessory Structures. All structures accessory to the dwellings, including detached garages, shall be maintained structurally sound, neatly maintained, and in good repair or shall be razed to grade level and debris removed from the premises.
(Ord. 24-2006. Passed 3-23-06.)