[Adopted as Title 10, Ch. 10, of the Benton Code of Ordinances]
These standards apply to all structures located in a residential zoned area and to all structures and sites used for residential purposes but zoned for other uses.
It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy or use or let or hold out to another for occupancy for use any building, structure or premises which does not comply with the requirements of this code.
The foundation shall be substantially watertight and protected against rodents and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points. Every exterior wall shall be substantially watertight, weathertight, protected against rodents, kept in good condition and repair and shall be free of deterioration, holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timber, and any other condition which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the exterior spaces of the dwelling. All exterior wood surfaces shall be protected by paint, stain or other water- and weather-resistant treatment. Every roof shall be watertight, weathertight, kept in good condition and repair, and have no dangerous defects. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness in the walls. All cornices, copings, parapets, moldings, belt courses, lintel, sills, and similar projections shall be kept in good repair, free from cracks or defects which make them hazardous or dangerous.
Every window shall be fully supplied with transparent or translucent window panes which are substantially without cracks or holes, shall be substantially tight and shall be kept in good condition and repair. Windows, other than fixed windows, shall be easily opened and shall be held in position by window hardware. Every exterior door shall fit substantially tight within its frame and shall be kept in good condition. Window and door frames shall be kept in good condition and shall exclude rain and substantially exclude wind from entering the building or structure. Every basement hatchway shall prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water into the building or structure.
From June 1 to September 15 screens shall be installed on doors or windows when they are required for ventilation. Screening shall be at least a 14 mesh and shall be attached to its frame in such manner which does not leave openings larger than those in the screen itself. Frames shall be in good condition and repair and shall fit tightly into the window or door frame so as not to allow the passage of insects or rodents. Screens shall be provided with positive attachment devices to insure that inserts will not fall from or be dislodged from the door or window frame. A self-closing device shall be provided for screen doors.
Every exterior stairway and every porch and its supports shall be kept in good and safe condition and repair and shall be free of deterioration with every rail and balustrade firmly fastened and maintained.
Every chimney and chimney flue shall be in good and safe condition and repair.
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 shall be maintained in good condition and repair.
Yards shall be kept substantially clear of debris and shall be provided with adequate lawn or ground cover of vegetation, hedges or bushes. All areas not covered by any of the foregoing shall be treated to prevent dust or the blowing or scattering of dust particles into the air. All trees, bushes or vegetation which overhang a public entrance shall be properly trimmed to avoid obstruction of the view and movements of vehicles and pedestrians.
Every building, structure and all exterior appurtenances on the premises shall be adequately protected against rats, mice, termites and other vermin. Occupants and operators shall be responsible for the extermination of rodents and vermin from that part of the premises under their exclusive control except where more than one unit is infested at the same time and in this instance the owner shall also be responsible for extermination of the infestation.
Every building and structure shall be kept neat and attractive in appearance. All wooden portions shall be painted, stained or receive other similar treatment as often as necessary to maintain such appearance. Stone, brick or other masonry shall be kept adequately painted and maintained.
Every building or structure shall have adequate refuse, garbage or rubbish storage facilities. Garbage containers shall all have tight covers and shall be kept in place at all times. No occupant shall accumulate rubbish, boxes, lumber, metal or other materials which may provide harborage for rodents or vermin.
Every accessory structure shall be kept in good condition and repair, shall not obstruct light and air of doors or windows, shall not obstruct a safe means of access to any building or structure, shall not create fire or safety hazards and shall not provide rat or vermin harborage. All accessory structures which are in deteriorated condition and which are not repairable shall be removed.
Complaints alleging a violation of this article shall be commenced by service of written notice of noncompliance upon the property owner, the form of notice to be in substantially the form of Appendix A.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.