(A) Title. These regulations shall be known as the Housing Code of the City of Wellston, Ohio, hereinafter referred to as "the Housing Code" or "this Code."
(B) Scope. This Code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all residential premises as hereinafter provided by:
(1) Establishing minimum maintenance standards for all residential premises for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space heating and sanitation; for safety from fire; for space, use and location; and for safe and sanitary maintenance of all residential premises;
(2) Fixing the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of all residential premises; and
(3) Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.
(C) Intent. This Code shall be construed liberally and justly to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the maintenance of residential premises.
(D) Other regulations. The provision in this Code shall not be construed to prevent the enforcement of other ordinances or regulations which prescribe standards other than are provided herein.
(E) Application of Building Code. Any repairs or alterations to a structure, or changes of use herein, which may be caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this Code shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the Building Code.
(F) Existing remedies. The provisions in this Code shall not be deemed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the jurisdiction or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.
(G) Validity. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Code shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Code which shall continue in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this Code are hereby declared to be severable.
(H) Saving clause. Violations under this Code which were not violations under the previous code, with the exception of conditions which affect the health and safety of the occupant, including but not limited to, faulty or inadequate wiring, defective or inadequate plumbing, inoperable, defective or inadequate fire protection equipment or hazardous mechanical equipment which could contribute to the spread of disease, noxious odors and other such unsuitable and/or life-threatening conditions, are deemed to be nonconforming, preexisting conditions that are excepted from this Code.
(I) Existing structures. As provided in this section, this Code establishes minimum requirements for the initial and continued occupancy and use of all structures and premises and does not replace or modify requirements otherwise established by ordinance which may be additional or more stringent for the construction, repair, alteration or use of structures, equipment or facilities.
(Ord. 2021-41, passed 9-2-2021)