Every dwelling and every part thereof shall be kept clean and
free from any accumulation of dirt, filth, rubbish, garbage or similar
matter and shall be kept free from and effectively protected against
vermin or rodent infestation. All yards, lawns and courts shall similarly
be clean and free from rodent infestation.
Every building and all parts thereof used or occupied as a dwelling
shall, while in use or at any time when the lack of maintenance affects
neighboring property, be kept in good repair, in safe condition, and
fit for human habitation. The roof and walls of all such buildings
shall be maintained so as not to leak, and all means of draining water
therefrom shall be maintained so as to not adversely affect the adjacent
property owner.
Good repair and safe condition shall include but are not limited
to the following standards:
A.
Exterior.
(1)
Roofing shall be provided to prevent the entrance of moisture and
shall be maintained by renewal, repair, waterproofing or other suitable
means.
(2)
Gutters and downspouts shall be provided to properly collect, conduct
and discharge the water from the roof and not adversely affect adjoining
properties.
(3)
Every foundation, wall, floor, ceiling, window, door and hatchway
shall be maintained so as to be reasonably weatherproof and waterproof.
(4)
Every stairway, including inside stairs with three or more risers,
must have a handrail.
(5)
Stairs, porches and appurtenances thereto shall be kept in sound
condition and good repair.
(6)
Any walkway, terrace, or porch over 30 inches in height from ground
level must have a handrail.
(7)
Exterior wood and ferrous metal surfaces shall be protected from
the elements against decay by paint or other protective coating.
(8)
A dwelling structure must have the appropriate building address permanently affixed as per Chapter 29 of the Town Code. The address shall be of a contrasting color and visible from the street. Where a structure is not visible from the street, a second address is required to be placed within five feet of the primary entrance to the property.[1]
(9)
Entry door into the structure shall be constructed of a durable,
exterior-grade material.
(10)
Exterior property areas of all premises shall be kept free of
any object, material, or condition, including abandoned or immobile
motor vehicles, which may create a health, accident or fire hazard
or which is a public nuisance.
(11)
All sheds, barns, garages, fences, and other appurtenant structures
on premises shall be maintained in good repair, free from health,
accident or fire hazards, or they shall be removed from the premises.
(12)
Yard spaces and other open areas appurtenant to a dwelling shall
be graded, paved or otherwise constructed to properly drain water
around or away from premises.
(13)
Windows shall be easily openable and shall have panes without
cracks or holes, and the sash shall fit properly.
B.
Interior.
(1)
Every supplied facility, piece of equipment or utility which is required
under this code shall be so constructed or installed to function safely
and effectively and shall be maintained in good working condition.
(2)
Doors accessing an apartment dwelling from common hallways must be
constructed of a solid core material and must have a twenty-minute
fire rating. Doors must have the appropriate numeral permanently affixed
for identification. This number is to be no smaller than two inches.
(3)
Ceilings, walls and floors shall be maintained free of holes, cracks
or loose and deteriorated materials so that parts which become defective
do not constitute a hazard to the occupants nor a harborage for insects
or vermin. Loose or defective sections shall be removed and replaced
so that the joint between the repaired and the sound material is made
flush and smooth. Split, splintered or badly worn floorboards must
be replaced.
(4)
All walls, ceilings, woodwork, doors and windows shall be kept clean
and free of any flaking, loose or peeling paper or paint.
(5)
Doors to habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms must fit the
opening in which they are hung and be properly equipped with hardware.
Not more than 72 hours after abandonment, all iceboxes, refrigerators
and other large airtight containers shall be removed from the premises.
Doors must be removed immediately.
Any and all chipped or peeling paint, whether interior or exterior,
must be abated within a reasonable time. This governs paint from the
foundation to the eaves as well as all chewable surfaces, walls, woodwork,
and all chewable surfaces on the interior. All painting must be in
compliance with Maryland Lead Laws.[1] Exterior painting work may be exempted during the winter
months, starting November 1 and ending April 1, at the discretion
of the Director.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 6-801 et seq. of the Environment
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Material used in making any repairs shall be of a quality and
kind suitable for the purpose normally to accomplish such a repair.
All repairs shall be completed in a workmanlike manner and according
to the accepted standards and practices of the trade.
Habitable rooms where floors are in contact with soil shall
be paved with concrete or other masonry and, when required to be replaced,
shall be paved either with concrete, not less than three inches thick,
or with other masonry, not less than four inches thick, which shall
be sealed tightly to the foundation walls, but french drains approved
by the Director shall be acceptable.
