A. General:
1. Scope: The provisions of this chapter shall govern the minimum conditions and the responsibilities of persons for maintenance of structures, equipment and exterior property. The provisions of this chapter shall also protect watercourses and sources of water supply.
2. Responsibility: The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in the rubbish and garbage, and extermination requirements set forth herein. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises which do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
3. Vacant Structures And Land: All vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety.
B. Exterior Property Areas:
1. Sanitation: All exterior property and premises shall be maintained free of public nuisances as defined in section 6-3-2 of this chapter. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls free of public nuisances as defined in section 6-3-2 of this chapter.
2. Grading And Drainage:
a. Prevention: All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon.
b. Exception: Water retention areas and reservoirs approved by the code official. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
3. Sidewalks And Driveways: All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, private roads, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair. In addition, all such areas shall be maintained free from hazardous conditions. Stairs shall comply with the handrails and guards and stairways, handrails and guards requirements set forth herein. (Ord. 2678, 11-7-2011)
4. Weeds:
a. Prohibition: All premises and exterior property including lots, tracts or parcels of land contiguous to a permanent structure shall be maintained free from: 1) grass growth in excess of eight inches (8") in height, 2) thistle, Queen Anne's lace, and garlic mustard, and 3) all noxious weed growth as defined in the Illinois noxious weed law (8 Ill. adm. code 220).
b. Exceptions: Trees, bushes, crops, garden plants, native woodland plants, "native Illinois prairie planting areas", ornamental flowers, and properties designated by a governmental body as a forest, wildlife, or nature preserve are permitted to grow in excess of eight inches (8") in height unless prohibited by Illinois state code or by other provisions of this code, as now existing or hereafter amended.
c. Native Illinois Prairie Planting Areas: Notwithstanding subsection B4a of this section, plants which are native of the tall grass prairies of the midwestern United States and described as such in the publication "Plants Of The Chicago Region", by Floyd Swink and Gerould Wilhelm (1994), or in subsequent editions of said publication, are permitted to grow in excess of eight inches (8") in height subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth.
(1) Said area shall be actively maintained to eliminate: a) thistle, Queen Anne's lace, garlic mustard, b) typical suburban lawn grasses such as, but not limited to, bluegrasses and fescues, and c) any noxious or exotic weed as defined in the Illinois noxious weed law (8 Ill. adm. code 220).
(2) Native Illinois prairie planting areas on private lots shall be mowed, burned (with an approved city of Warrenville burn permit), or cut to eighteen inches (18") or less in height at least once per year between October 1 and May 1.
(3) Native Illinois prairie planting areas shall be set back a minimum of two feet (2') from a perimeter property line when said perimeter property line abuts an adjacent off site area maintained with typical suburban lawn grasses or ornamental plants. (Ord. 2886, 9-15-2014)
5. Barberry Bushes: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free of the bush of the species of tall, common, or European barberry, further known as Berberis bulgaris or its horticultural varieties. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
6. Rodent And Bat Harborage: All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent and bat infestation. Where rats are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. Where bats are found, every effort shall be made to humanely trap and remove the bats from the premises. After extermination and removal, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation. (Ord. 2419, 12-17-2007)
7. Exhaust Vents: Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant.
8. Accessory Structures: All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
9. Motor Vehicles:
a. Prohibitions: No person shall abandon, park, store, leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storage or leaving of:
(1) Any unlicensed vehicle; or (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
(2) Any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part thereof which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition (an inoperable motor vehicle) upon any premises or public property within the city for a period in excess of seven (7) days unless such vehicle or part thereof: a) is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner, or b) is in an area so zoned that such storage is permitted. (Ord. 2062, 6-2-2003)
b. Exception: Any motor vehicle kept within a building when not in use, operable historic vehicles over twenty five (25) years of age, or motor vehicles on the premises of a place of business engaged in the wrecking or junking of motor vehicles shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection B9.
c. Public Rights Of Way: Any vehicle remaining on city property or public right of way for a period in excess of seven (7) days may be towed in accordance with the provisions of state law. The unlawful storage of any vehicle in violation of this chapter shall be abated within seven (7) days after the issuance of written notice. Any violation not so abated shall be subject to a fine of seventy five dollars ($75.00) for each and every vehicle in violation of this chapter and each day shall constitute a separate violation.
The owner of any vehicle subject to being towed and stored shall be responsible for the payment of any and all towing costs, storage fees, and any other cost or expense incurred by the city in connection with the removal and storage of said vehicle, together with any other penalties imposed by law.
10. Watercourses And Water Supplies: It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to:
a. Pollute, corrupt, or render unwholesome or impure the waters of any spring, river, stream, pond, lake, well, wellspring, watercourse or public or private water supply, to the injury or prejudice of others;
b. Throw or deposit any offal or other offensive matter, or the carcass of any dead animal, in any watercourse, lake, pond, spring, well, or common storm sewer;
c. Obstruct or impede without lawful authority any watercourse, river, stream, pond, lake, or other public watercourse.
C. Exterior Structure:
1. General: The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
a. Protective Treatment: All exterior surfaces, including, but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. 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 and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement. (Ord. 2062, 6-2-2003)
2. Street Numbers:
a. Except as otherwise provided in subsection C2b of this section, it shall be the responsibility of the owner or resident of any improved residential property to apply the proper address numbers in such a manner that they may be read from the street without requiring going on the subject property. Numbers may not be affixed to any municipal or utility building, pole, post or sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the house or principal building is not visible from the street, then the address numbers shall be affixed to a post that is visible from the street. Numbers shall be at least four inches (4") high and shall be of a color that contrasts with the background surface to which they are affixed.
b. With respect to nonresidential properties, it shall be the responsibility of all owners and occupants of improved nonresidential properties to display the following street and unit/suite information:
(1) Front Building Facade Identification: Four inch (4") tall address numbers/letters shall be applied on the front facade of all nonresidential buildings at a location readily visible from the adjoining street. Said letters/numbers shall be of a color that contrasts with the background surface to which they are affixed.
(2) Individual Unit/Suite Front Door/Facade Identification: Individual units in a multi-tenant building shall display two inch (2") unit or suite numbers/letters on the exterior side of the main front entrance door or on the side of the front window glass closest to the front door.
(3) Rear Exit Door Identification: Four inch (4") tall address numbers shall be displayed on the rear exit door of each building. In a multi-tenant building, four inch (4") tall unit or suite numbers/letters shall be displayed below the four inch (4") tall address numbers. Individual tenants are also encouraged to display the name of the individual business on their rear exit door. All address, unit and suite information displayed on the rear exit doors shall be weather resistant and of a color that contrasts with the surface to which they are affixed. (Ord. 2094, 10-20-2003)
3. Structural Members: All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
4. Foundation Walls: All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents. (Ord. 2419, 12-17-2007)
5. Exterior Walls: All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
6. Roofs And Drainage: The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance or within five feet (5') of a property line, unless the discharge is into a public drainage swale, a storm sewer system and/or storm water management facility. (Ord. 2223, 6-20-2005)
7. Decorative Features: All cornices, belt 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.
8. Overhang Extensions:
a. Condition: All canopies, marquees, signs, 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. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
b. Exception: Weather resistant materials such as cedar, copper, galvanized metal, stainless steel, wrought iron and brushed aluminum need not receive a periodic application of weather coating materials unless the surface is in a state of decay or deterioration.
9. Chimneys And Towers:
a. Condition: All chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and 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 materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
b. Exception: Weather resistant materials such as cedar, copper, galvanized metal, stainless steel, wrought iron and brushed aluminum need not receive a periodic application of weather coating materials unless the surface is in a state of decay or deterioration.
10. Handrails And Guards: Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good working condition.
11. Window And Door Frames: Every window, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weathertight. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
12. Insect Screens:
a. Required: During the period from April 1 to November 1, every door, window and other outside opening utilized or required for ventilation purposes serving any structure containing habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas, or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored, shall be supplied with or have available for installation, approved tightly fitting screens of not less than sixteen (16) mesh per inch and every swinging door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition. (Ord. 2062, 6-2-2003)
b. Exception: Screen doors shall not be required for outswinging doors or other types of openings which make screening impractical, provided other approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellent fans are employed.
13. Doors: All exterior doors and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guestrooms shall tightly secure the door. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
14. Basement Hatchways: Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water.
15. Guards For Basement Windows: Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rodentproof shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents. (Ord. 2419, 12-17-2007)
16. Stairways, Decks, Porches And Balconies: Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained in a structurally sound manner, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting imposed loads. (Ord. 2161, 8-16-2004)
D. Interior Structure:
1. General: The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Every occupant shall keep that part of the structure which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a rooming house, a hotel, a dormitory, two (2) or more dwelling units or two (2) or more nonresidential occupancies, shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.
2. Structural Members: The supporting structural members of every structure shall be maintained structurally sound, and capable of supporting the imposed loads.
3. Interior Surfaces: All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in a safe condition. Unsafe conditions created by cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood, and other defective materials shall be corrected.
4. Lead Based Paint: Interior and exterior painted surfaces of dwellings and child and day care facilities, including fences and outbuildings, which contain in excess of six one-hundredths percent (0.06%) of lead by weight shall be removed or covered in an approved manner. Any surface to be covered shall first be marked with warnings as to the lead content of such surface.
5. Stairs And Railings: All interior stairs and railings shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.
6. Handrails And Guards: Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
E. Rubbish And Garbage:
1. Accumulation Of Rubbish And Garbage: All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
2. Disposal Of Rubbish:
a. Sanitary Manner: Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in approved containers.
b. Rubbish Storage Facilities: The owner of every occupied premises shall supply approved covered containers for rubbish, and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish no less than every two (2) weeks.
3. Disposal Of Garbage:
a. Sanitary Manner: Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage in an approved garbage disposal facility or approved garbage containers.
b. Garbage Facilities: The owner of every dwelling shall supply one of the following: an approved mechanical food waste grinder in each dwelling unit, an approved incinerator unit in the structure available to the occupants in each dwelling unit, or an approved leakproof outside garbage container. The owner of every occupied premises shall be responsible for the removal of outside garbage containers before said garbage becomes a public nuisance, but in all cases no less than every two (2) weeks.
c. Garbage Containers: The operator of every establishment producing garbage shall provide, and at all times cause to be utilized, leakproof approved containers provided with close fitting covers for the storage of such materials until removed from the premises for disposal.
d. Exception: Garbage produced from individual detached single-family homes may be disposed of in leakproof, sealed plastic bags. (Ord. 1668, 4-6-1998)
4. Location And Size Of Garbage Containers:
a. Garbage and rubbish containers shall be kept a minimum of twenty five feet (25') from the street edge adjacent to any premises. Dumpsters or other garbage containers not exceeding four (4) cubic yards in capacity may be stored on residential properties provided they are screened on all four (4) sides by a solid wood fence, solid landscaping or an equivalent material to a height of not less than six feet (6').
b. Dumpsters or other garbage containers exceeding four (4) cubic yards in capacity shall not be placed on any residential property for more than ten (10) consecutive days; provided this section shall not prohibit the placement and use of such dumpsters and containers during the term of a valid building permit issued for the property on which the dumpster or container is located.
c. Refuse, recyclables or compostable materials stored in containers or otherwise appropriately secured, may be placed on the parkway after six o'clock (6:00) P.M. the evening preceding scheduled scavenger service. Refuse, recyclables, compostable materials and containers used to store these items shall be removed from the parkway by seven o'clock (7:00) P.M. of the day of scheduled scavenger service.
d. Any refuse, recyclables or compostable materials placed on the parkway shall be stored in containers or otherwise appropriately secured to ensure that debris or refuse is not scattered by weather, animals or other causes. (Ord. 2062, 6-2-2003)
F. Extermination And Removal:
1. Infestation: All structures shall be kept free from insect, rodent and bat infestation. Insects and rodents found in structures shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. Every effort shall be made so that bats found in structures are promptly and humanely captured, removed from the premises and released. After extermination and/or removal, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation.
2. Owner: The owner of any structure shall be responsible for extermination and/or removal within the structure prior to renting or leasing the structure.
3. Single Occupancy: The occupant of a structure containing a single dwelling unit or a single nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination/removal on the premises.
4. Multiple Occupancy: The owner of a structure containing two (2) or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination and/or removal in the public or shared areas of the structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area occupied, the occupant shall be responsible for extermination/removal.
5. Occupant: The occupant of any rodent or bat proof structure shall be responsible for the structure to continue to remain free of rodents, insects and bats, and if the occupant fails to maintain said condition, the cost of the extermination/removal shall be the responsibility of the occupant. (Ord. 2419, 12-17-2007)
G. Residential Composting:
1. Compost Piles:
a. Permitted And Prohibited Compost Materials: Compost piles shall only be composed of compostable material and commercial compost additives. No other material shall be placed in a compost pile. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing prohibition, the depositing of garbage, pet waste, meat scraps or other materials that may attract animals or vermin to the compost pile or which may provide an obnoxious odor shall be prohibited. Materials in a compost pile shall be placed in such a way to prevent them from being windblown.
b. Location And Size Requirements And Restrictions: A compost pile shall not exceed five feet (5') in height and ten feet (10') in side length, shall not be located less than twenty five feet (25') from any neighboring dwelling unit, and shall comply with the following property line setbacks:
Lot Size
| Minimum Front And Corner Side Yard Setbacks | Minimum Rear Yard Setback1 | Minimum Interior Side Yard Setback1 | Maximum Ground Area Per Lot |
Less than 15,000 square feet | 30 | 5 | 5 | 25 |
15,001–40,000 square feet | 40 | 10 | 5 | 50 |
40,001 plus square feet | 40 | 10 | 10 | 100 |
Note:
1. The minimum rear and side yard setback requirements may be reduced to 1 foot upon mutual agreement of adjoining property owners filed with the city.
2. Prohibited Acts: It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate, maintain or permit a compost pile in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 2147, 7-6-2004)