The purpose of this chapter is to recognize and protect the
private and public benefits resulting from safe, sanitary and attractive
residential and nonresidential buildings, structures, yards and vacant
areas. Attractive and well-maintained properties enhance neighborhoods
and the Village and provide a suitable environment for increasing
physical and monetary values.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or controlling a house
or other building or premises, including vacant areas, to improve
and maintain all properties under his or her control.
A. The exterior appearance of all buildings shall reflect a level of
maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood. No
building shall have the appearance of progressive deterioration, which
would lead to the downgrading of the neighborhood. The exterior of
premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances,
unsanitary conditions and any hazards to the safety of occupants,
pedestrians and the persons utilizing the premises. Such hazards include,
but are not limited to, brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots,
obnoxious growth, garbage, trash and refuse. Any of the foregoing
shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner or operator.
(1) All buildings shall be cladded or constructed with an exterior product
intended for long-term application to protect the structure from natural
elements and to provide a finished appearance. Weather shield products
such as house wrap or tar paper shall not be considered as a finished
exterior. Siding not commonly intended or customarily used in a natural
or exposed state shall be painted or sealed to prevent deterioration. Structures
shall have a finished exterior applied within six months of the removal
of previous exterior finishes.
[Amended 3-11-2024]
(2) Every building shall have adequate refuse, garbage or rubbish storage.
No occupant shall accumulate rubbish, boxes, lumber, metal refuse
or other materials that will be an eyesore to the neighborhood.
(3) Furniture
intended for indoor use is not allowed on yards or open porches for
periods of more than 48 hours.
[Added 3-11-2024]
B. Lawn areas.
(1) Lawn areas, where provided, shall not be allowed to deteriorate to
such conditions as to be a seriously blighting influence on the neighborhood
or the Village in general. The growth of grass or weeds in excess
of six inches in height or the maintenance of the property with a
lack of vegetation, which renders the yard areas unsightly and results
in the diminution of the appearance of the property as compared with
adjacent properties, shall be considered a violation.
(2) Where lawn areas are not provided or have been removed, such areas
shall be landscaped with garden beds or other ground cover so as not
to be a public nuisance or a serious blighting influence.
C. Every yard, court, driveway or other portion of the lot shall be
graded or drained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water
on any such surface. Driveways and sidewalks shall be maintained and
kept in good condition.
Firewood is permitted to be stored tightly in the rear yard
of a property. Firewood shall be stored in an unobtrusive area and
shall not be used as a fence or screening device.
All accessory structures shall be maintained in good repair
and in a clean and sanitary condition. All natural siding shall be
painted or sealed to prevent deterioration.
Compost piles or yard waste holding bins shall be permitted,
provided that they are located in the rear yard and at least 10 feet
or more from a habitable structure, and provided that they are maintained
in a manner that does not produce an odor or nuisance or provide a
rodent harborage.