The exterior of premises and the condition of accessory structures and/or accessory buildings shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and all buildings thereon reflects a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the immediate neighborhood and so that the appearance of the premises and structures does 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, including the following:
(a) Landscaping. Premises shall be maintained. Lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view and where the same constitute a blighting factor depreciating adjoining property.
(b) Windows. Windows exposed to public view shall be kept free of foreign substances, except when necessary in the course of changing displays. No storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas or other areas ordinarily exposed to public view, unless such areas are first screened from public view by draperies, venetian blinds or other permanent material rendering the windows opaque to public view. All screening of interiors shall be maintained in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair.
(c) Store Fronts. Store fronts shall be kept in good repair, shall be painted where required and shall not constitute a safety hazard or nuisance. If repairs to a store front become necessary, such repairs shall be made with the same or similar materials used in the construction of the store front, in such a manner as to permanently repair the damaged area. Any cornice visible above a store front shall be kept painted, where required, and in good repair.
(d) Awnings and Marquees. 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 a safety hazard. If such awning or marquee is not properly maintained in accordance with the foregoing, it shall, together with its supporting members, be removed forthwith. If such awning or marquee is made of cloth, plastic or similar material, such cloth or plastic, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or holes. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any encroachment on streets, sidewalks or other parts of the public domain.
(Ord. 1983-29. Passed 6-21-83; Ord. 1989-2. Passed 1-3-89.)