(A) General. The exterior of a structure shall be structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants and so as to protect the occupants from the environment.
(1) Where the Code Official has ordered the exterior to be painted, compliance shall be within a period of one year from the date the inspection report and order are mailed. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or agent to schedule a reinspection with the Rental Code Officer during, or at the end of, the one year period.
(2) Where the Code Official has ordered repairs to correct exterior violations other than painting, an extension of time to complete the repairs may be granted for a period not to exceed one year from the date that the inspection report and order are mailed; provided, no such extension shall be granted where, in the opinion of the Code Official, the violations are life threatening in nature.
(B) Structural members. All supporting structural members of all structures shall be kept structurally sound, and substantially free of deterioration and be capable of safely bearing the dead and live loads imposed upon them.
(C) Exterior surfaces (foundations, walls and roof). Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a workmanlike state of maintenance and repair.
(D) Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained so as to carry the safe design and operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained plumb free from open cracks and breaks, so as not to be detrimental to public safety and welfare.
(E) Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be substantially free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces in the building. All exterior surface material including wood, composition, or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface coated when required to prevent deterioration.
(F) Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound, tight, and not have defects which might admit rain, and roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building.
(G) Overhead extensions. All canopies, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. They shall be protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of weather-coating material such as paint or similar surface treatment.
(H) Chimneys. All chimneys and similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe, sound and in good repair, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating material such as paint or similar surface treatment.
(I) Stairs and porches. Every stair, porch, balcony, and all attached appurtenances shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
(J) Window and door frames. Every window, door, and frame shall be constructed and maintained so as to exclude rain as completely as possible, and to substantially exclude air infiltration. (Housing Code § 152.20)
(K) Weather tight. Every window and exterior door shall be fitted reasonably in its frame, be weathertight, substantially exclude air infiltration and rain, and they shall be kept in sound condition and repair.
(L) Operable windows. Every habitable room shall have at least one operable window providing a route for emergency escape (minimum of 4.75 square feet), other than a fixed window, and shall be capable of being easily opened. (Housing Code § 152.20).
(M) Insect screens. From May 15 to October 15 of each year every window or other outside opening used for ventilation purposes shall be supplied with approved screening, and every swinging screen door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition, except that such screens shall not be required for a rental unit on a floor above the fifth floor, for outside doors of rental units that are air-conditioned, or for common hallways of multi-family dwellings.
(N) Door hardware. Every door which connects a rental unit with any area exterior to the unit shall have a functioning locking device, door hinge, and door latch and shall be maintained in good condition. Door locks in rental units shall be capable of tightly securing the door.
(O) Basement hatchways. Every basement or cellar hatchway shall be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, and surface drainage water into the structure. (Housing Code § 152.35).
(P) Guards for basement windows. Every basement or cellar window which is openable shall be supplied with rodent-proof shields, storm windows or other material affording protection against the entry of rodents.
(Q) Exterior handrails. Every stairwell and every flight of stairs, which is more than three risers high, shall have handrails or railings which shall be located as required by the building code, and every open portion of a stair, porch, landing and balcony which is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails. Every handrail and guardrail shall be maintained in good condition, be firmly fastened, and be capable of bearing normally imposed loads. (Housing Code § 152.35)
(Ord. 27-92, passed 9-14-92)