This chapter shall be known as the "Sussex County
Housing Code," which establishes minimum property maintenance standards
for structures covered by this chapter and is herein sometimes referred
to as the "County Housing Code" or "code" and shall apply to and include
the entire County of Sussex, except as may be exempted by this chapter.
This chapter is intended to protect the public
safety, health and welfare in existing residential structures and
on existing residential premises, as hereinafter provided, by:
A.
Establishing minimum maintenance standards for existing
residential structures and premises for basic equipment and facilities
for light, ventilation, heat and sanitation; for safety from fire;
for space; and for safe and sanitary maintenance of existing structures
and premises.
B.
Fixing the responsibilities of owners, operators and
occupants of all structures.
C.
Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.
The provisions of the County Housing Code shall
apply to existing residential structures used for human habitation.
The provisions are designed to eliminate or prevent substandard conditions
with respect to structures, protect against fire hazards, provide
for adequate space for light and air, provide for proper heating and
ventilating and eliminate unsanitary conditions and overcrowding.
Every portion of a building or premises used or intended to be used
for residential purposes shall comply with the provisions of this
chapter, except hotels and motels serving transient guests only, migratory
labor housing, rest homes, convalescent homes, nursing homes, recreational
campers and civil defense shelters. For the purpose of this chapter,
regulations by the State Department of Health and Social Services
for migratory labor camps will apply to migrant housing.
The provisions of this entire chapter shall
be liberally interpreted so as to minimize displacement of persons
whose dwelling units may deviate from this chapter specifications
but do not pose an imminent threat to the health, safety and general
welfare of the occupants and other persons. Additionally, this chapter
is to be liberally interpreted so as to minimize hardships to persons
that inhabit or own dwelling units which deviate from this chapters
specifications but do not pose an imminent threat to the health, safety
and general welfare of the occupants and other persons. Additionally,
this chapter is to be liberally interpreted so as to minimize hardships
to persons that inhabit or own dwelling units which deviate from this
chapter's specifications but do not pose an imminent threat to the
health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and other persons.
A.
This chapter does not replace or modify requirements
otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or
use of buildings and facilities related thereto.
B.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to abolish
or impair existing rights or remedies of a municipality or its officers
or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings
which are deemed to be unsafe or unsanitary.
C.
As determined by the Code Official, in any case where
a provision of any other ordinance, regulation or statute of the state,
County or municipality existing on the effective date of this chapter
or hereafter enacted establishes a lower standard for the promotion
and protection of the safety and health of the public, the provisions
of this chapter shall govern. This County Housing Code shall not be
administered in any community that has adopted a Housing Code containing
provisions that contain standards that are equal to or exceed the
provisions of this chapter.
D.
The provisions of the County Housing Code shall not
apply to any existing single-family owner-occupied residential structure.
The provisions shall become applicable upon the rental or sale of
such residential structure. The provisions of the County Housing Code
shall not apply to any existing resort residential structure held
primarily for the production of income and which is offered for seasonal
rental for the months of May through September, inclusive.
E.
When the literal application of the requirements of this chapter would cause undue hardships or the displacement of low-income occupants with no affordable housing alternatives, an exception may be granted by the appropriate Appeals Board upon written petition under Article III, § 71-31D. Such petition shall state the reason therefor. Such exceptions shall be made in writing. In such cases where it is necessary to make safe an unsafe structure or correct an unhealthy condition, every effort shall be made to make the necessary corrections without causing undue hardship to the occupant or owner and without causing the displacement of said persons.
F.
When unusual building conditions or building sites
exist, an exception may be granted by the Code Official upon written
petition. Such petition shall state what these special conditions
are, and such exceptions shall be made in writing and only when it
is clearly evident that reasonable safe and sanitary conditions are
assured, and such exceptions shall be conditioned in such a manner
to achieve those ends.
A.
Words used in the present tense include the future;
the singular includes the plural; and the plural includes the singular.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, where terms are not defined under
the provisions of this chapter, they shall have ascribed to them their
ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context herein may imply.
Whenever the words "multifamily dwelling," "residence building," "dwelling
unit," "manufactured home" or "premises" are used in this chapter,
they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words
"or any part thereof."
[Amended 10-12-2010 by Ord. No. 2152]
B.
APPROVED
BASEMENT
CELLAR
CENTRAL HEATING
CODE OFFICIAL
COMMUNITY
CONDEMN
CONDEMNATION
DWELLINGS
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
DWELLING UNIT
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS
EXTERMINATION
FAMILY
GARBAGE
HABITABLE SPACE
HOTEL
INFESTATION
JUNK VEHICLE
(1)
(2)
LET FOR OCCUPANCY or LET
MAINTENANCE
MOTEL
MULTIFAMILY (MULTIPLE) DWELLINGS
OCCUPANT
OPENABLE AREA
OPERATOR
OVERCROWDED
OWNER
PERSON
PLUMBING
PLUMBING FIXTURE
PREMISES
PUBLIC NUISANCE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
RENOVATION
RESIDENCE BUILDING
ROOMING HOUSE
ROOMING UNIT
RUBBISH
STRUCTURE
SUPPLIED
VENTILATION
(1)
(2)
WORKMANLIKE STATE OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
YARD
The following terms are defined as listed below:
As applied to a material, device or method of construction,
approved by the Code Official under the provisions of this chapter
or approved by other authority designated by law to give approval
in the matter in question.
That portion of a building which is partly below and partly
above grade and has at least 1/2 its height above grade. (See "cellar.")
That portion of a building which is partly or completely
below grade and has at least 1/2 its height below grade. (See "basement.")
The heating system permanently installed and adjusted so
as to provide the distribution of heat to all habitable rooms, bathrooms
and water-closet compartments from a source outside of these rooms.
The official who is charged with the administration and enforcement
of this chapter, or any duly authorized representative.
Any municipality in the County of Sussex.
To adjudge unfit for residential use or human occupancy.
The act of judicially condemning.
ONE-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing one dwelling unit with not more than five lodgers or boarders.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing two dwelling units with not more than five lodgers or boarders per family.
MULTIFAMILY APARTMENT HOUSEA building or portion thereof containing more than two dwelling units and not classified as a one- or two-family dwelling.
BOARDINGHOUSE, LODGING HOUSE or TOURIST HOUSEA building arranged or used for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation, by more than five and not more than 20 individuals.
DORMITORYA space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided in one room or in a series of closely associated rooms for persons not members of the same family group.
HOTELAny building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed to be used or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests.
MANUFACTURED HOMEA one-family dwelling designed for transportation, after fabrication, on streets and highways on its own wheels or supported by other vehicles or trailers, but which is not self-propelled, and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, supported on jacks or other foundations and connected to utilities and the like.
[Amended 10-12-2010 by Ord. No. 2152]
A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities
for one or more persons, including a manufactured home, including
permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
[Amended 10-12-2010 by Ord. No. 2152]
The official designated herein or otherwise charged with
the responsibilities of administering this chapter or the official's
authorized representative.
The open space on the premises and on adjoining property
under the control of owners or operators of such premises.
The control and elimination of insects, rats or other pests
by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible
materials that may serve as their food; by poison spraying, fumigating
or trapping; or by any other approved pest-elimination methods.
An individual or married couple and the children thereof,
with not more than two other persons, living together as a single
housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit.
The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.
Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility
space and similar areas are not considered "habitable space."
See "dwellings."
The presence, within or contiguous to a structure or premises,
of insects, rats, vermin or other pests.
Any vehicle which is without a currently valid license plate
or plates and is in either a rusted, wrecked, discharged, dismantled,
partly dismantled, inoperative or abandoned condition. A "junk vehicle"
shall be classified as to its condition in one of the two following
categories:
RESTORABLEA junk vehicle that is in a condition whereby repairs to the same could be made to place it in operating condition without exceeding the estimated value when repaired.
WRECKA junk vehicle in such condition that it is economically unsound to restore the same to operating condition, considering the repairs to be made, the age of the vehicle and the market value of the vehicle if it were restored, or in such condition that it warrants such classification.
To permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling, dwelling
unit, rooming unit, building or structure by a person who shall be
the legal owner or not be the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant
to a written or unwritten lease, agreement or license or pursuant
to a recorded or unrecorded agreement of contract for the sale of
land.
Conformance of a building and its facilities to the code
under which the building was constructed.
A "hotel," as defined in this chapter.
See "dwellings."
Any person over one year of age, including the owner or operator,
living and sleeping in a dwelling unit or having actual possession
of said dwelling or rooming unit.
That part of a window or door which is available for unobstructed
ventilation and which opens directly to the outdoors.
Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure
or premises which is let or offered for occupancy.
Any person, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable
interest in the premises, or any agent thereof.
Any individual, corporation or partnership.
The labor, materials and fixtures used in the installation,
maintenance, extension and alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances
and appurtenances.
A receptacle or device which is either permanently or temporarily
connected to the water-distribution system of the premises and demands
a supply of water therefrom or discharges used water, liquid-borne
waste materials or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage
system of the premises or which requires both a water supply connection
and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises.
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the buildings or
structures thereon.
Includes the following:
The physical condition or use of any premises
regarded as a public nuisance at common law,
Any physical condition, use or occupancy of
any premises or its appurtenances considered an attractive nuisance
to children, including but not limited to abandoned wells, shafts,
basements, excavations and unsafe fences or structures;
Any premises designated as having unsanitary
sewerage or plumbing facilities;
Any premises designated as unsafe for human
habitation or use;
Any premises which is manifestly capable of
being a fire hazard or is manifestly unsafe or unsecure so as to endanger
life, limb or property.
Any premises from which the plumbing, heating
or other facilities required by this chapter have been removed or
from which utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electricity have
been disconnected, destroyed, removed or rendered ineffective or the
required precautions against trespassers have not been provided;
Any premises which is unsanitary or which is
littered with rubbish or garbage or which has an uncontrolled growth
of weeds; or
Any structure or building that is in an advanced
state of dilapidation, deterioration or decay; has faulty construction;
is overcrowded; is open, vacant or abandoned; is damaged by fire to
the extent as not to provide adequate shelter; is in danger of collapse
or structural failure; and is dangerous to anyone on or near the premises.
Work on a building and its facilities to make it conform
to present-day minimum standards of sanitation, fire- and life safety.
A building in which sleeping accommodations and toilet, bathing
and cooking facilities as a unit are provided.
Any residence building or any part thereof, containing one
or more rooming units, in which space is let by the owner or operator
to more than five persons who are not members of the family. (See
"dwellings, boardinghouse.")
Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit
used or intended to be used for living and sleeping but not for cooking
or eating purposes.
Combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage,
and the term shall include the residue from the burning of wood, coal,
coke and other combustible materials, paper, rags, cartons, boxes,
wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin
cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery and dust and other similar
materials.
That which is built or constructed, including, without limitation
because of enumeration, buildings for any occupancy or use whatsoever,
fences, signs, billboards, fire escapes, chute escapes, railings,
water tanks, towers, open-grade steps, sidewalks or stairways, tents
or anything erected and framed to component parts which is fastened,
anchored or rests on a permanent foundation or on the ground.
Installed, furnished or provided by the owner or operator.
The process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical
means to or from any space.
MECHANICALVentilation by power-driven devices.
NATURALVentilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks without wind-driven devices.
That such maintenance and repair shall be made in a reasonably
skillful manner.
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a building,
extending along the entire length of a street or rear or interior
lot line.
Any community in Sussex may adopt the County
Housing Code as its own Municipal Housing Code by reference to this
chapter of the Sussex County Code.
A.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of each community
to enforce the provisions of the County Housing Code throughout the
confines of that municipality.
B.
In the event that communities have not adopted the
County Housing Code or one that contains standards that are equal
to or exceed the provisions of this chapter by July 12, 1988, the
Code Official may begin enforcement within that community, subject
to the provisions of this chapter. Any community may contract with
another community or Sussex County on its behalf in the enforcement
of this chapter.
A.
Inspection of premises and the issuing of orders in
connection therewith under the provisions of this chapter shall be
the exclusive responsibility of the Code Official.
B.
When, in the opinion of the Code Official, it is necessary
or desirable to have inspections of any conditions by any other community,
the Code Official shall arrange for this to be done in such a manner
that the owners or occupants of the dwelling shall not be subjected
to visits by numerous inspectors nor to multiple or conflicting orders.
No order for correction of any violation under this section, when
coordination of enforcement is required, shall be issued without the
approval of the Code Official, and, before issuing any such order,
the Code Official shall obtain the concurrence of any other department
or agency having jurisdiction thereover.