It is hereby determined that the following uses, structures, activities, and conditions are individually or in combination causes of blight or blighting factors which, if allowed to exist, will tend to result in blighted and undesirable neighborhoods. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any causes of blight or blighting factors upon any property in the City whether owned, leased, rented, or occupied by such person. Such blight or blighting factors are:
(a) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the open storage upon any property, street or alley of materials used for construction or repairs for which there is not a valid building permit. Building materials shall include but shall not be limited to lumber, bricks, concrete or cinder blocks, plumbing materials, electrical wiring or equipment, heating ducts or equipment, shingles, mortar, concrete or cement, nails, screws, or any other materials used for construction.
(b) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the open storage or accumulation upon any property, street or alley of junk, trash, debris, rubbish, inoperable vehicles or refuse of any kind, except domestic refuse stored in closed containers. In no case shall refuse containers be stored in the front yard and refuse containers shall be stored in such a manner as not to create a nuisance.
(c) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the failure to maintain the exterior of any building in a condition such that windows are glazed, exterior surfaces are kept clean and painted where indicated, porches and stairs are stable and free of cracked boards, peeling paint, etc.
(1) Any property which, because of physical condition, use or occupancy is considered an attractive nuisance to children including but not limited to abandoned wells, shafts, basements, excavations, vacant structures and unsafe fences or structures.
(2) Any property, which is a fire hazard, or is otherwise dangerous to the safety of persons or property.
(3) Any structure which, because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested, which is dangerous to the public health, safety and welfare.
(4) Any structure from which the utilities, plumbing, heating, water, sewerage or other facilities have been disconnected, destroyed, removed or rendered ineffective so that the property is unfit for its intended use.
(5) Any property which, by reason of neglect or lack of maintenance, has become a place for litter or accumulated with trash and debris, or a haven for rodents or other vermin.
(d) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the existence of any structure or part of structure which because of fire, wind, or natural disaster, or physical deterioration is no longer habitable as a dwelling nor useful for any other purpose for which it may have been intended.
(e) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the existence of any vacant dwelling, garage or other outbuildings, unless said structure is kept securely locked, windows are glazed, exterior surfaces are kept clean and painted where indicated, porches and stairs are stable and fee of cracked boards and are otherwise protected to prevent entry thereto by the elements or by unauthorized person or by rodents and other vermin.
(f) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, the existence of any partially completed structure unless such structure is completed within a reasonable time or is in the course of construction in accordance with a valid building permit issued by the City.
(g) Drawings, slogans, or remarks, scrawled or scratched on a wall or other surface generally viewed by the public that defaces the building or surface upon which same is drawn, scrawled or painted and is inconsistent with or substantially different than the remainder of the surface upon which it is attached. Graffiti is deemed to be blight.
(h) Any premise that is unsanitary or that is littered with rubbish and garbage or that has uncontrolled growth of weeds. All windows, which have been boarded, must be painted within thirty (30) days, the same color as the structure itself.
(Ord. 2001-16. Passed 6-5-01.)
(i) In any area zoned or used for residential purposes, any fence which, through lack of repair, type of construction or otherwise, is not maintained in a neat and safe condition, including but not limited to the growth of grass, weeds, vines, trees, or other vegetation.
(Ord. 2006-14. passed 9-5-06.)