[CC 1970 §16A-1; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-1, 6-1-1982; Ord. No. 1075 §1, 12-4-1984]
A. 
For the purpose of this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this Section as used herein:
APPROVED
Approved by the Building Commissioner of the City of Rock Hill.
BASEMENTS
A portion of a building located partly under ground, but having less than half of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
BEDROOM
A habitable room within a dwelling unit which is used or intended to be used primarily for the purpose of sleeping, but does not include any kitchen or dining room.
BUILDING
A permanent structure covering a plot of land enclosed with walls, having a roof and used for human habitation.
BUILDING COMMISSIONER
Term of office and duties in addition to those provided in this Chapter are set forth in Sections 505.030, 505.040 and 505.050 of the Rock Hill Code.
CELLAR
A portion of a building located partly or wholly underground, and having half or more of its clear floor to ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
DRIVEWAY
The surfaced portion of a lot constructed for the purpose of access to a garage or storage area on the lot or for the purpose of temporary parking.
DWELLING
Any building which is wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living or sleeping of human occupants.
DWELLING UNIT
A room or group of rooms located within a building and forming a single habitable unit with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by elimination of their harborage places by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food by poisoning, spraying, fumigation, trapping or by any other recognized or legal pest elimination methods approved by the City or County Department of Health.
FAMILY
One (1) or more persons occupying premises and living as a single housekeeping unit and related to each other by blood (meaning the son or daughter of a married couple) marriage (meaning husband or wife) or adoption (meaning those legally adopted by the family). One (1) person not related to other occupants by blood, marriage or adoption is permitted. Two (2) persons other than family are permitted if they are the parents of the husband or wife of the family and are aged, disabled or otherwise dependent on the son or daughter for care.
GARBAGE
The animal and vegetable waste and residue resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
HABITABLE ROOM
A room or enclosed floor space used or intended to be used by human beings for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundries, pantries, foyers or communicating corridors, closets and storage space.
INFESTATION
The presence, within or around a dwelling, of any insects, rodents or other pests.
MULTIPLE DWELLING
Any dwelling containing more than two (2) dwelling units.
NON-DWELLING STRUCTURE
Any structure, except a dwelling used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of any person, animal or property of any kind.
OCCUPANT
Any person living, sleeping, cooking or eating, in or having actual possession of a dwelling unit.
OPERATOR
Any person who has charge, care or control of a building, or part thereof, in which dwelling units are let.
ORDINARY MINIMUM WINTER CONDITIONS
The temperature fifteen degrees Fahrenheit (15°F) above the lowest recorded temperature for the previous ten (10) year period.
OWNER
Any person who alone, or jointly or severally with others:
1. 
Has legal title to any dwelling or dwelling unit with or without accompanying actual possession thereof, or
2. 
Shall have charge, care or control of any dwelling or dwelling unit, as owner or agent of the owner, or as personal representative, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any agent, or representative of the owner shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this Chapter, and of rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, to the same extent as if he/she were the owner.
PERSON
An individual, firm, corporation, association or partnerships.
PLUMBING
All of the following supplied facilities and equipment: Gas pipes, gas-burning equipment, water pipes, garbage disposal units, waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, showers, baths, installed clothes washing machines, catch basins, drains, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
PREMISES
The platted lot or part thereof or unplatted lot or parcel of land either occupied or unoccupied by any dwelling or non-dwelling structure.
ROOMING HOUSE
As defined in Section 405.010 of this Code.
ROOMING UNIT
Any room or rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes.
RUBBISH
Combustible and non-combustible waste materials, except garbage; and the term shall include the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke and other combustible material, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metal, mineral matter, glass, crockery and dust.
SUPPLIED
Paid for, furnished or provided, by or under the control of, the owner or operator.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter which is designed to be transportable and which is not attached to the ground, to another structure or to any utilities system on the same premises.
B. 
Meaning Of Certain Words. Whenever the words "dwelling, dwelling unit or premises" are used in this Chapter, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words "or any part thereof". The inclusion by definitions does not mean that same is allowable under this Code.
[CC 1970 §16A-2; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-2, 6-1-1982]
A. 
The Building Commissioner is authorized and directed to make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, non-dwelling structures, and premises located within the City, so that he/she may perform his/her duty of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of the dwellings and the general public.
B. 
For the purpose of making the inspections, the Building Commissioner is authorized to enter, examine and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings, dwelling units, non-dwelling structures and premises as he/she has been authorized to do under Section 135.090.
[CC 1970 §16A-3; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-3, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Whenever the Building Commissioner determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of this Chapter he/she shall give notice of the alleged violation to the person or persons responsible therefor. Such notice shall:
1. 
Be in writing.
2. 
Include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued.
3. 
Allow a reasonable time for the performance of any act it requires.
4. 
Be served upon the owner or his/her agent, or the occupant, as the case may require.
B. 
The notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon the owner, agent or occupant by any of the following methods:
1. 
If a copy of the notice is served upon him/her personally,
2. 
If a copy is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address, or
3. 
If a copy is posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure or premises affected by the notice.
4. 
The leaving of a copy with some member of his/her family over the age of fifteen (15) years.
[CC 1970 §16A-4; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-4, 6-1-1982]
A. 
No owner shall permit any non-dwelling structure or fence to exist on any premises which does not comply with the following requirements.
1. 
Every foundation, exterior wall, gutter, roof, downspout, exterior door, window, basement hatchway of other entrance way or every non-dwelling structure shall be maintained so as to prevent the structure from becoming a harborage for rodents and kept in a reasonably good state of maintenance and repair. Roofs shall be maintained in a watertight condition.
2. 
All exterior wood surfaces and gutters of all non-dwelling structures shall be properly protected from the elements and against rust or decay by paint or other approved protective coating applied in a workmanlike manner.
3. 
Every fence shall be kept in a reasonably good state of maintenance and repair, or removed.
4. 
Every owner or occupant of a non-dwelling structure shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean, sanitary and proper condition, the premises adjacent to such structure.
[CC 1970 §16A-5; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-5, 6-1-1982]
The Commissioner is hereby authorized to make and to adopt such written rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper enforcement of the provisions of this Chapter; provided, that such rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this Chapter. The Commissioner shall file a certified copy of all rules and regulations which he/she may adopt with the City Clerk for their approval by the Board of Aldermen. Such rules and regulations shall have the same force and effect as the provisions of this Chapter, and the penalty for violation thereof shall be the same as the penalty for violation of the provisions of this Chapter, as hereinafter provided.
[CC 1970 §16A-6; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-6, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every owner of a dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary and proper condition the shared or public areas, yards, and lawns, so as to assure the desirable residential character of the property.
B. 
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling, dwelling unit and premises thereof which he/she occupies or controls.
C. 
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall dispose of garbage and rubbish in strict accordance with the provisions of this Code.
D. 
All dwellings, dwelling units and premises shall be maintained rodent free in accordance with this Code.
E. 
Every owner and/or occupant of a dwelling unit shall keep all plumbing fixtures in a working, clean and sanitary condition and shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in the proper use and operation thereof.
F. 
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall dispose of all his/her garbage and any other organic waste, in a clean and sanitary manner, by placing it in the garbage disposal facilities or garbage storage containers required by this Code. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to supply such facilities or containers for all dwelling units in a dwelling containing more than four (4) dwelling units and for all dwelling units located on premises where more than four (4) dwelling units share the same premises. In all other cases it shall be the responsibility of the occupants to furnish such facilities or containers.
G. 
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be responsible for hanging all screens, storm doors and windows whenever the same are required under the provisions of this Chapter or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, except where the owner has agreed to supply such service.
[CC 1970 §16A-7; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-7, 6-1-1982]
Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit shall provide for the extermination of and/or exterminate any insects, rodents or other pests therein or on the premises. Every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one (1) dwelling unit shall provide for and perform such extermination whenever his/her dwelling unit is the only one (1) infested. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, whenever infestation is caused by the failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a rat-proof or reasonably insect-proof condition, extermination shall be provided for and performed by the owner. Whenever infestation exists in two (2) or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units, extermination thereof shall be provided for and performed by the owner.
[CC 1970 §16A-10; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-10, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen equipped with a sink in good working condition and properly connected to an approved water and sewer system.
[CC 1970 §16A-11; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-11, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling unit shall contain a fully enclosed room which affords privacy to a person within said room and which is equipped with a flush water closet and lavatory basin in good working condition and properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the Building Commissioner.
[CC 1970 §16A-12; Ord. No. §1021 §16A-12, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling unit shall contain, within a room which affords privacy to a person within said room, a bathtub or shower in good working condition and properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the Building Commissioner.
[CC 1970 §16A-13; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-13, 6-1-1982]
Every kitchen sink, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower required under this Chapter shall be properly connected to hot and cold water lines.
[CC 1970 §16A-14; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-14, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling unit shall have adequate rubbish and garbage disposal facilities or rubbish and/or garbage storage containers, type and location of which are approved by the Building Commissioner in accordance with this Code of the City of Rock Hill.
[CC 1970 §16A-15; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-15, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every dwelling shall have water heating facilities which are properly installed, in good working condition, properly connected with the hot water lines required by Section 515.120 and capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required sink, lavatory basin, bathtub or shower at a temperature of not less than one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120°F).
B. 
The supplied water heating facilities shall be capable of meeting the requirements of this Section when the dwelling or dwelling unit heating facilities are not in operation.
C. 
All supplied water heating facilities shall have a pressure relief valve in working condition with a drip tube leading down to approximately six (6) inches off the floor.
[CC 1970 §16A-16; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-16, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling shall be identified by street numbers at least four (4) and not more than twelve (12) inches in height displayed upon a contrasting background in a conspicuous place upon the dwelling, or upon the tract of land upon which the dwelling is located, so as to be readily visible from the street.
[CC 1970 §16A-18; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-18, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every habitable room shall have at least one (1) window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors. The minimum total window area for every habitable room shall be ten percent (10%) of the floor area of the room.
B. 
Whenever walls or other portions of structures face a window of any such room and are located less than three (3) feet from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such a window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors and not be included as part of the required total window area.
C. 
Whenever the only window in a room is a skylight type window in the top of the room, the total window area of such skylight shall equal at least fifteen percent (15%) of the total floor area.
[CC 1970 §16A-19; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-19, 6-1-1982]
Every habitable room shall have at least one (1) window or skylight which can easily be opened, or any other device which will adequately ventilate the room. The total of the openable window area in every habitable room shall be equal to at least forty-five percent (45%) of the minimum area size or minimum skylight type window size required in Section 515.170 unless some other device is supplied which affords adequate ventilation. Such device shall be approved by the Building Commissioner.
[CC 1970 §16A-20; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-20, 6-1-1982]
Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms, except that no window or skylight shall be required in adequately ventilated bathrooms and water closet compartments equipped with an approved ventilating system which is kept in continuous operation.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.1; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-21, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises, shall have heating facilities which are properly installed, are maintained in safe and good working condition, and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water closet compartments in every dwelling unit located therein to a temperature of at least seventy degrees (70°F), at a distance three (3) feet above floor level, under ordinary minimum winter conditions.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.2; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-22, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every habitable room of each dwelling shall contain at least two (2) separate wall or baseboard type electric convenience outlets, or one (1) convenience outlet and one (1) ceiling electric light fixture. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room and public hall shall contain at least one (1) supplied ceiling or wall electric light fixture.
B. 
Every outlet and fixture shall be properly installed, maintained in good and safe working condition and connected to the source of power in a safe manner.
C. 
Every dwelling unit shall have not less than sixty (60) ampere, three (3) wire electrical entry service.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.4; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-24, 6-1-1982]
Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used for ventilation, and every other opening to basement which might provide an entry for rodents, shall be supplied with a screen or other device which will effectively prevent their entrance.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.5; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-25, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every year from May first (1st) to October eleventh (11th), when it is necessary for protection against mosquitoes, flies and other insects, every door opening direct from a dwelling unit to outdoor space shall have supplied screens and a self-closing device. Every window or other device with openings to outdoor space, used or intended to be used for ventilation, shall be provided with screens.
B. 
The Building Commissioner may waive the requirements for screens on dwelling units which are equipped with air conditioning facilities or buildings that are of such height to render screens unnecessary as determined by him/her.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.6; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-26, 6-1-1982]
No person shall occupy as owner-occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the requirements of Sections 515.260 — 515.310 and Sections 515.350 — 515.360.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.7; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-27, 6-1-1982]
No owner, operator, or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility which is required under this Chapter to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling let or occupied by him/her, except for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repair or alterations are in process or during temporary emergencies when discontinuance of service is approved by the Building Commissioner.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.8; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-28, 6-1-1982]
Every supplied facility, piece of equipment, or utility which is supplied under this Chapter shall be so constructed or installed that it will function properly. It shall be maintained in reasonably good working condition.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.9; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-29, 6-1-1982]
Every water closet compartment, floor surface and bathroom floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.10; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-30, 6-1-1982]
Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained in good sanitary working condition, free from defects, leaks and obstructions.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.11; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-31, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every stairway, inside or outside of the dwelling and every porch, shall be kept in safe condition and sound repair. Every flight of stairs and every porch shall be free of deterioration.
B. 
Every interior or flight of stairs which is more than four (4) risers high shall have handrails not less than two and one-half (2½) feet high and every porch above the first (1st) floor shall have guardrails not less than two and one-half (2½) feet above the floor of the porch. Every rail and baluster shall be firmly fastened and maintained in good condition. No flight of stairs shall have rotting, loose or deteriorated supports. Every stair tread shall be strong enough to bear reasonably imposed loads. Every porch shall have a sound floor. No porch shall have rotting, loose or deteriorated supports.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.12; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-32, 6-1-1982]
A. 
Every foundation, exterior wall and roof, shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight, rodent proof and kept in a reasonably good state of maintenance and repair.
B. 
Every window, exterior door, and basement hatchway shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodent proof and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
C. 
All exterior wood surfaces and gutters of all dwelling units shall be reasonably protected from the elements and against decay or rust by paint or other approved protective coating applied in a workmanlike manner.
[Ord. No. 1257 §1(16A-20.32), 10-19-1993]
No person shall permit the accumulation on any premises or on any open lot of any lumber, firewood, boxes, barrels, bricks, stones or similar materials that may afford harborage for rats, unless the materials are kept within an enclosed building. If stored outside, such materials shall be evenly piled or stacked either on open racks that are elevated no less than twelve (12) inches above the ground, or on a paved surface impervious to rats.
[Ord. No. 1107 §2(16A-20.31), 9-16-1986]
Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit, all dwelling units and commercial and business related buildings shall be inspected by the Building Commissioner of the City of Rock Hill, Missouri, for compliance relating to the installation of smoke detectors.
[Ord. No. 1319 §2(16A-20.33), 1-2-1996]
A. 
Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit, all driveways shall be inspected by the Building Commissioner of the City of Rock Hill, Missouri, for compliance with the following Sections:
1. 
Driveways shall be kept in a good state of maintenance and repair, free from open cracks, breaks, missing components and depressions.
2. 
Driveways may be of porous or hard surface. For the purpose of this Section, "porous" surface shall be defined as consisting of rock which shall have a minimum of four (4) inches of finely crushed stone.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.13; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-33, 6-1-1982]
Every interior wall, floor, partition and ceiling shall be kept in a reasonably good state of repair and maintenance so as to permit them to be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.14; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-34, 6-1-1982]
A. 
All rain water shall be drained and conveyed from every roof so as to permit them to be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
B. 
Any surface or roof drainage which creates a structural or health hazard, or any other nuisance to owners or occupants of adjacent premises, or to the public by reasons of discharge into, or across any adjacent building, premises or public thoroughfare shall be abated by the owners of the improperly drained area; and the Building Commissioner shall require the drainage to be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Plumbing Code.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.16; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-36, 6-1-1982]
Every dwelling unit shall contain at least one hundred fifty (150) square feet of floor space for the first (1st) occupant thereof and at least one hundred (100) additional square feet of floor space for every additional occupant thereof, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.17; Ord. No. 1023 §1, 7-6-1982]
In every dwelling unit of two (2) or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one (1) occupant shall contain at least seventy (70) square feet of floor space and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one (1) occupant shall contain at least forty-five (45) square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof. No part of the living room, kitchen, or dining room may be counted as part of the required space for sleeping purposes. It is to be understood that a dwelling unit containing only one (1) sleeping room shall be limited to two (2) occupants. It is further understood that multiple sleeping room units shall be limited to two (2) occupants for the first (1st) sleeping room and three (3) occupants for each additional sleeping room.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.18; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-38, 6-1-1982]
No dwelling or dwelling unit containing two (2) or more sleeping rooms shall have such arrangements that access to a bathroom or water closet compartment intended for use by occupants of more than one (1) sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room; nor shall room arrangements be such that access to a sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room or a bathroom or water closet compartment.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.19; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-39, 6-1-1982]
At least one-half (½) of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven (7) feet; and the floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than five (5) feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.21; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-41, 6-1-1982]
A. 
No basement space shall be considered or computed as habitable room area or a dwelling unit unless:
1. 
The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are insulated against dampness.
2. 
The total of window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required by this Code.
3. 
The total of openable window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum as required by this Code, except where there is supplied some other device affording ventilation as approved by the Building Commissioner.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.25; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-48, 6-1-1982]
In any case where a provision of this Chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any Zoning, Building, Fire, Safety, or Health Chapter or Code of the City of Rock Hill, the provision which established the higher standards for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the people shall prevail. In any case where a provision of this Chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any other Chapter or Code of the City of Rock Hill which established a lower standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the people, the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed to prevail and such other Chapters or Codes are hereby declared to be repealed to the extent that they may be found in conflict with this Chapter.
[CC 1970 §16A-20.29; Ord. No. 1021 §16A-52, 6-1-1982]
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit, upon whom a notice of violation or compliance order has been served, to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of said dwelling or dwelling unit to another until the provisions of the notice of violation or compliance order have been complied with, or until such owner shall first furnish to the transferee, mortgagee, grantee, or lessee a true copy of any such notice of violation or compliance order issued by the Building Commissioner. A transferee, mortgagee, grantee or lessee who has received actual or constructive notice of the existence of a notice of violation or compliance order shall be bound by such notice as of the date of the transfer without further service or notice upon such person.