[Amended 9-27-1983; 12-18-1997 by L.L.
No. 8-1997; 2-26-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
Single and two-family, multiple-dwelling units and rental duplexes
shall be maintained in conformity with provisions of this chapter
so as to assure the desirable residential character of the property.
A. General exterior (cleanliness, maintenance and repair).
(1) The owner shall keep all and every part of a multiple dwelling and
rental duplex, the lot on which it is situated and the roof, porches,
yards, courts, passages or alleyways clean and free from vermin, dirt,
filth, garbage or other things or matters dangerous to life or health.
(2) The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including
fences, foundations and porches, shall be structurally sound, maintained
and in good repair, and all surfaces shall be periodically painted
or otherwise refinished or renewed when necessary for purposes of
preservation and appearance. All surfaces shall remain free of broken
glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, lack of or excessive
peeling of paint, shredded or damaged plastic sheeting used for decorative
or insulation purposes or other conditions reflective of deterioration
or inadequate maintenance to the end that the property itself may
be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and adjoining property
and the neighborhood protected from blighting and deterioration conditions.
(3) All windows and doors shall be watertight, weather-proofed and maintained
in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair and
replaced when necessary under the same conditions. All window glazing
shall be kept clean and free of marks.
(4) Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect
buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant ponds.
Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers,
approved combined storm and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory
drainage systems shall be provided in a manner approved and acceptable
to the City.
(5) Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall
be maintained and repaired when necessary so as to afford safe passage
under normal use and weather conditions.
(6) Premises shall be kept neat in appearance and regularly maintained
with hedges and bushes trimmed and lawns mowed and kept from becoming
overgrown and unsightly. Heavy accumulation of growth shall also be
eliminated. Premises shall be kept free of dead shrubs and trees and
obnoxious growth, such as weeds, brush, ragweed and poison ivy.
B. General interior (cleanliness, maintenance and repair).
(1) The owner of every multiple dwelling and part thereof and rental
duplex shall clean and keep clean and sanitary at all times, to the
satisfaction of the Building Inspector, every room, passage, stair,
floor, window, door, wall, ceiling, water-closet or toilet compartment,
drain, hall, cellar, attic, garage or such public or service part.
(2) Floors, interior walls and ceilings shall be structurally sound.
Interior surfaces of walls throughout every part of every multiple
dwelling or rental duplex, whether in a public or tenant-occupied
part, shall be painted, paneled or papered and the ceiling calcimined
or painted by the owner. The walls or ceilings shall be recalcimined,
repaired or repainted by the owner whenever necessary to keep said
surfaces in a well-maintained condition, free of visible foreign matters
and in a sanitary condition.
C. Infestation and screening.
(1) Grounds, buildings and structures shall be maintained free of insects,
vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for exterminating
insects, vermin and rodents shall conform to generally accepted practice.
(2) Windows and openings in basements and cellars shall be appropriately
and permanently equipped with screens or other devices.
(3) From May 1 to October 1, entrances and exits of buildings shall be
provided with self-closing-type devices and screens. Windows and other
openings used for ventilation shall be appropriately screened.
D. Receptacles for waste and garbage.
(1) The owner shall provide proper and suitable conveniences or receptacles
for ashes, rubbish, garbage, refuse and other waste materials and
shall arrange for removal of such waste matter on a regular basis.
(2) No person shall place ashes, garbage, rubbish, filth, urine or other
fecal matter any place in a residence other than the place provided
therefor or keep any such matter in his apartment or upon his premises
such length of time as to create a nuisance or health problem.
(3) It is prohibited to store or accumulate garbage or refuse in public
halls, stairways and exits.
(4) Trash and garbage receptacles, containers and other devices intended
for temporary holding of waste material before removal from the site
shall be placed in such a manner that said receptacles are not visible
from the public right-of-way. This may be accomplished by means of
one or more of the following:
(a)
Placing receptacles so as to be totally hidden behind the building
they serve.
(b)
The screening of receptacles by foliage or solid fencing.
(c)
The containing of receptacles within a structure suitable for
such use.
(5) Trash and garbage receptacles shall be secured at all times to prevent
any waste material deposited or intended to be deposited in such receptacles
from being spread about by natural and/or other causes.
(6) Residents and/or property owners may place trash receptacles at the
curb for a period not to exceed 24 hours in any given week to allow
pickup by refuse haulers.
E. Domestic animals and pets.
(1) Domestic animals and pets shall be kept in an appropriate manner
and shall not be permitted to run at large.
(2) Owners must notify tenants of the City's animal and dog ordinances, and all parties must comply.
F. Responsibility and liability of owner and occupant.
(1) The owner shall have all the duties and responsibilities as prescribed,
and no owner shall be relieved from such duty and responsibility nor
be entitled to defend against any charge or violation thereof by reason
of the fact that the occupant is also responsible thereof and in violation
thereof.
(2) The occupant shall have all duties and responsibilities specifically
prescribed in this code or where the violation is clearly the fault
of the occupant. The occupant shall not be relieved from any such
duty and responsibility nor be entitled to defend against any charge
or violation thereof by reason of the fact that the owner or operator
is also responsible thereof and in violation thereof.