All exterior parts of every residential or commercial building and their accessory structures, either above or below the roofline, shall be maintained in a condition so as to resist decay or deterioration; to minimize blighting effects upon the values of surrounding properties; and to eliminate hazardous conditions. The premises, including exterior property areas, shall be free from hazards and conditions which might create a nuisance.
(A) Exterior wood surfaces. All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated, and surfaces repainted or otherwise provided with an approved weather-resistant covering. All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and watertight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust, and corrosion. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement. Exterior surfaces that have been impaired through peeling or flaking of the paint or other protective coating, shall be repaired, repainted, or resurfaced, in accordance with the following provisions: Protective Surface. Without limiting the generality of this section, a protective surface of a building shall be deemed to be out of repair if more than 50% of the area of any plane or wall on which the protective surface or paint is blistered, cracked, flaked, scaled or chalked away.
(B) Windows and doors. Every window, skylight, exterior door and basement hatchway shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair, and shall have a working locking device to prevent unauthorized access. All glazing shall be free of cracks and holes and shall be kept in a condition that does not pose a safety hazard to the occupants or general public, nor is an attractive nuisance to children.
(C) Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials to prevent the entry of vermin, decay of the structure, or other nuisance conditions.
(D) Decorative features. All cornices, brickwork, terra cotta trim, signs, wall facings and similar decorative features found on structures shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
(E) Fences. Fences and retaining walls or similar structures on residential or commercial properties shall be anchored firmly in the ground, shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner and maintained in a state of good structural repair, or in the alternative, such fences, retaining walls or similar structures shall be removed or replaced. All fences shall be treated periodically with chemicals or paint if necessary so as to retard deterioration, unless such deterioration is superficial deterioration designed to enhance appearance.
(F) Dilapidation. Any structure or accessory structure whose exterior surface is deteriorated, ramshackle, tumbledown, decaying, disintegrating, or in poor repair must be repaired or razed.
(Ord. 11-015, passed 5-4-11)