All premises and the condition of all structures thereon shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all structures thereon shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the immediate neighborhood, so that the appearance of the premises and structures shall not constitute a blighting factor for adjoining property owners nor an element leading to the progressive deterioration and downgrading of the immediate neighborhood with the accompanying diminution of property values. Such maintenance shall include the following:
(a) The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including fences, shall be maintained in good repair, and all surfaces thereon shall be kept painted where necessary for the purpose of preservation and appearance, surface coated with a protective coating or treated to prevent rot and decay. Every structure shall be maintained free of broken windows, crumbling stone or brick, peeling paint, rotted wood or other condition reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance.
(b) The premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of nuisances and hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians and persons utilizing such premises.
(c) The premises shall be kept free of accumulations of brush, broken glass, stumps and roots that present a safety hazard, and of garbage, trash, rubbish and debris which present unsanitary conditions and/or a safety hazard.
(d) The premises shall be kept free of dead trees and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof.
(e) The premises shall be kept free of loose and overhanging objects, both man- made and natural, which, by reason of location above ground level, constitute a danger of falling on and injuring persons in the vicinity thereof.
(f) The premises shall be kept free of infestations.
(g) Foundation walls shall be kept structurally sound, free from defects and damage and capable of bearing imposed loads safely.
(h) Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto shall be maintained structurally sound, free from defects, capable of performing at all times the functions for which they were designed and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases.
(i) Firewood, brush, logs or any other material intended to be used in fireplaces or other permitted burning facilities shall not be stored in front yards. Storage of such materials shall be permitted only in side or rear yards and under the following conditions:
(1) The firewood shall be stacked no higher than five feet;
(2) It shall be cut firewood;
(3) It shall be stored at least five feet from the property line; and
(4) It shall be stored in such a manner as not to constitute a fire hazard.
(j) Lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly (i.e. covering windows, choking out other plants, being untrimmed, etc.) where they are exposed to public view. Grass, other than ornamental grasses, shall not be allowed to grow higher than twelve inches.
(k) For every building to which a street number has been assigned, such number shall be displayed in a size and at a location such that the number shall be readily observable at all times and readable from the public right of way which abuts the front yard.
(l) All vehicles shall be parked properly in the right of way, on the driveway, on parking areas or in the garage as authorized or permitted on such premises.
(m) All signs and billboards otherwise permitted by these Codified Ordinances and which are exposed to public view shall be maintained in good repair. Any signs which have weathered or faded, or those upon which the paint has peeled or cracked, shall, with their supporting members, be removed forthwith or put into a good state of repair. All nonoperative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supporting members, be removed forthwith.
(n) Any awning or marquee and its accompanying structural members which extend over any street, sidewalk or other portion of the premises shall be maintained in good repair and shall not constitute a nuisance or safety hazard. In the event such awning or marquee is not properly maintained in accordance with the foregoing it, together with its supporting members, shall be removed forthwith. In the event such awnings or marquees are made of cloth, plastic or similar materials, such cloth and plastic, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of weathering, discoloration, ripping or tearing. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize an encroachment on streets, sidewalks or other parts of the public domain.
(Ord. 94-89. Passed 12-5-94.)