[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of
Winneconne as Title 15, Ch. 4, of the 2012 compilation of ordinances,
as amended through 5-22-2013.
Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
Title. This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Minimum Housing
Code" of the Village of Winneconne.
B.
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to prevent the deterioration
of residential units and neighborhoods and to ensure a minimum level
of housing standards for the residents of the Village of Winneconne.
Such units or neighborhoods could become so dilapidated and neglected
that they jeopardize or are detrimental to the health, safety, morals
and general welfare of the people of the Village, or to the economic
values of adjoining property. The adoption and subsequent enforcement
of this chapter is therefore deemed essential to the public interest.
It shall be reasonably construed to maintain a pleasant, safe and
healthful environment, and to help ensure the maintenance of property
values within the Village of Winneconne.
C.
Scope. This chapter shall pertain to all dwellings in the Village
of Winneconne except one-family owner-occupied dwellings.
Applicability. Whenever the words "dwelling," "dwelling unit,"
"rooming house," or "premises" are used in this chapter, they shall
be construed as though they were followed by the words "or any part
thereof." All words other than those specifically defined herein shall
have their ordinarily accepted meanings as implied by the context.
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement
of this chapter:
Same as "hotel."
In accordance with the regulations established by Village
ordinance or Code of Ordinances, and authority designated by law to
enforce such ordinance or Code provision.
A typically defined structure lying below the main floor
of a home and may or may not have a separate entrance and utilities.
A bathtub or shower stall properly connected with both hot
and cold water lines.
A nonhabitable room within a dwelling unit which is used,
or intended to be used, primarily for bathing and/or toilet purposes,
and which contains, in good working condition, a toilet, lavatory,
bathtub or shower facilities.
A habitable room within a dwelling unit which is used, or
intended to be used, primarily for the purpose of sleeping, but shall
not include any kitchen or dining room. "Bedroom," however, shall
not be interpreted so as to prohibit efficiency apartments.
Used or shared by, or intended to be used or shared by, the
occupants of two or more rooming units or two or more dwelling units.
Any keyed, mortised lock set with at least a 3/4-inch bolt
capable of being opened from the inside by a single turn of a knob.
A structure or portion thereof designed or used exclusively
for human habitation, but not including home/house trailers, mobile
homes, hotels, motels, boardinghouses and lodging houses.
A room or suite of rooms used as a single-family dwelling,
including bath and culinary facilities.
A dwelling structure which is certified and labeled as a
manufactured home under 42 U.S.C. §§ 5401 to 5426,
which, when placed on a site:
Is set on an enclosed foundation in accordance with § 70.043(1),
Wis. Stats., and Subchapters III, IV and V of Ch. SPS 321, Wis. Adm.
Code, or is set on a comparable enclosed foundation system approved
by the Village's Building Inspector.
Is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Is properly connected to utilities.
A residential structure, or portion of a structure, containing
three or more dwelling units served by a common entrance, or a structure
designed for occupancy by three or more families.
A structure on a single lot containing one dwelling unit
and surrounded by open space or yards, and which is not attached to
any other dwelling by any means.
A structure on a single lot containing two dwelling units,
each of which is totally separated from the other by an unpierced
wall extending from ground to roof or an unpierced ceiling and floor
extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for a common
stairwell exterior to both dwelling units.
A dwelling unit consisting of one habitable room.
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other
pests by elimination of their harborage places, by removing or making
inaccessible material that may serve as their food, by poisoning,
spraying, trapping or by any other recognized and legal elimination
methods approved by Village officials.
One or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption,
foster care, or a group of not more than four persons who need not
be related, living together as a single housekeeping organization
and using common kitchen facilities.
The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the preparation,
handling, cooking and consumption of food.
A room or enclosed floor space used or intended to be used
for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms,
laundries, pantries, foyers, communication corridors, closets and
storage spaces.
A structure in which lodging, or boarding and lodging, are
provided and offered to the public for compensation, and which ingress
and egress to and from all rooms are made through an inside lobby
or office supervised by a person in charge at all times. As such,
it is open to the public unlike a rooming house, which is herein separately
defined.
The presence of any insects, rodents, or other pests within
a dwelling or on the dwelling premises.
Any unregistered or disassembled vehicle (automobile, truck,
van, motorcycle, etc.), or any vehicle unable to move under its own
power, or any vehicle not able to be used legally on any public street
in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 347 and 348, Wis. Stats.,
Ch. TRANS 305, Wis. Adm. Code, or this Code of Ordinances.
A habitable room or area used or intended to be used for
cooking or the preparation of meals.
A structure in which lodging, or boarding and lodging are
provided and offered to the public for compensation, and which ingress
and egress to and from individual rooms are made through the outside.
For the purposes of this Minimum Housing Code, shall be defined
as follows:
Whatever is dangerous to human life or is detrimental to health.
Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental to children
whether in a building or upon a lot. This includes any abandoned wells,
shafts, basements, and excavations; or any abandoned refrigerators
and inoperable motor vehicles; or any structurally unsound structures;
or any lumber, trash, debris, or vegetation which may prove a hazard
for inquisitive minors.
Overcrowding a room with occupants.
Insufficient ventilation or illumination.
Inadequate or unsanitary sewerage or plumbing facilities.
Uncleanliness.
Whatever renders air, food or drink unwholesome or is detrimental
to the health or human beings.
Unsafe or dangerous wiring.
Any other conditions defined elsewhere in this Code of Ordinances
as a nuisance.
Any person living, sleeping or eating, or having actual possession
of a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
Any person who is in charge or control of a building or part
thereof in which dwelling units or rooming units are let.
Any person who alone or jointly or severally with others
shall be the legally recorded holder of the title with or without
actual possession thereof, or who has charge, care or control of any
dwelling or dwelling unit as agent or owner or as executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. The term "owner" under
this chapter shall also include the legally recorded holder of a land
contract interest.
Any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership or association.
Includes the following: all piping, fixtures, appliances,
equipment, devices and appurtenances in connection with the water
supply, water distribution and drainage systems, including hot water
storage tanks, water softeners and water heaters connected with such
water and drainage systems and also includes the installation thereof
of a water pressure system other than municipal systems.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
A lot together with all buildings and structures thereon.
An occupant of a rooming house who is not a member of the
family of the operator of that rooming house, or an occupant of a
dwelling unit who is not a member of the family occupying the dwelling
unit.
Any dwelling, or that part of any dwelling, containing one
or more rooming units, in which space is let by the owner or operator
to more than four roomers.
Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit
in a rooming house used or intended to be used for living and/or sleeping.
Household waste, except garbage; and the term shall include
tin cans, glass, metal, crockery, and similar household wastes; also
papers, rags, lawn rakings and other combustible refuse.
Paid for, furnished, or provided by or under the control
of the operator or owner.
The Village of Winneconne, Wisconsin.
A room which typically contains, in good working condition,
a toilet and lavatory.
A.
Authority. The Building Inspector (or Housing Inspector) is authorized
and directed to make inspections when he/she has valid reason to believe
that a violation of this chapter has occurred and has authority granted
by the Village Board to enforce this chapter.
B.
Inspections. The Building Inspector (or Housing Inspector) is authorized
to enter and inspect all dwellings and dwelling units subject to the
provisions of this chapter between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00
p.m. (except Sundays and holidays), for the purpose of determining
whether there is compliance with the provisions of this chapter. He/she
shall give the occupant thereof, or if there is none, then the owner
thereof, reasonable notice of his/her intent to inspect the premises
and may then make his/her inspection only if he/she is given permission
to do so. In the absence of such permission, the Building Inspector
shall obtain an inspection warrant pursuant to § 66.0119,
Wis. Stats., before entering the premises. However, if the delay in
inspection would pose a serious and imminent threat to human life,
health or property, he/she may enter the premises without such permission
or notice and with or without an inspection warrant as the circumstances
may prescribe. The Building Inspector and the owner/occupant in charge
may agree to an inspection by appointment at a time other than during
the hours specified above.
C.
Interference with inspections; cease-and-desist orders. If any owner,
occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling or dwelling unit
subject to the provisions of this chapter refuses, impedes, interferes
with, restricts or obstructs entry and free access to any part of
the structural premises where inspection authorized by this chapter
is sought, the Building Inspector may seek from any court of competent
jurisdiction, an order that such owner, occupant or other person in
charge cease and desist with such interference.
A.
Notice; service; time for remedial action by owner. Whenever the
Building Inspector determines that there has been a violation or that
there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation
of any provision of this chapter, he/she shall give written notice
of such violation or alleged violation to the party responsible for
maintaining the premises in compliance with this chapter or the party
as designated in writing. The notice shall include at least:
B.
Appeals from orders. Any person feeling aggrieved by any order or
ruling of the Building Inspector (or Housing Inspector) may appeal
from such order or ruling to the Village Plan Commission. Such appeal
request must be filed with the Village within seven days of the order
or ruling. An order or ruling written under the State Building Code
is not appealable under this section.
C.
Emergency orders. If the Building Inspector shall determine that
a dwelling is in such condition that it constitutes a public nuisance
and that there is great danger to the public health, safety, and welfare,
and if the owner, or occupant if appropriate, refuses to comply with
orders within the time period prescribed, the Building Inspector,
or other designee, shall cause such dwelling or dwelling unit or part
thereof to be posted as unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or
use by posting a placard on the premises containing the following
words: "This Dwelling Unit Cannot Be Used For Human Habitation, Occupancy
or Use."
D.
Unauthorized removal of notice. No person shall interfere with, obstruct,
mutilate, deface or remove the official notice or placard from any
dwelling or dwelling unit.
All habitable buildings subject to the provisions of this chapter
shall comply with the following requirements for basic equipment and
facilities:
A.
Sinks. Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen sink which shall
be located in the room in which the food is cooked or prepared.
B.
Bathrooms.
(1)
Every dwelling unit shall contain a bath, a flush toilet, and a lavatory
basin, irrespective of the sink required as a kitchen facility.
(2)
The room wherein the toilet, lavatory and bathtub or shower required
under this section are installed shall afford privacy to a person
within. The bathtub or shower may be in a room separate from the room
housing the toilet and lavatory basin, but shall afford privacy to
a person within.
C.
Water supply. Every required kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub
and shower shall be properly connected with both hot and cold potable
water, and every flush toilet shall be properly connected to a supply
of water adequate in volume and pressure for flushing purposes.
D.
Water heating facilities. Every dwelling unit shall have automatic
or manually operated water heating facilities which are properly installed,
are maintained in safe and good working condition, and are connected
to fixtures as required in the preceding subsection; and are capable
of heating water to a temperature of at least 120° F. so as to
permit an adequate amount of hot water to be drawn at every required
sink, lavatory basin, bathtub, or shower even when the required dwelling
space heating facilities are not in operation.
E.
Garbage and refuse receptacles. Every owner shall supply every dwelling
unit with adequate garbage and refuse disposal equipment and/or receptacles
large enough to hold all garbage and refuse generated by that dwelling
unit, in compliance with Village ordinances. Such receptacles shall
comply with the requirements and standards set by Village ordinances
by the Village Board or by the Department of Public Works, and shall
be maintained by the owner or occupant in serviceable condition.
F.
Stairways in single-family and two-family dwellings. Stairways in
single- and two-family dwellings shall be equipped with proper handrails
mounted in accordance with § SPS 321.04, Wis. Adm. Code,
as may be amended, and shall be equipped with treads and risers reasonably
uniform. Porches in single- and two-family dwellings shall be equipped
with guardrails and intermediate rails installed in accordance with
§ SPS 321.04, Wis. Adm. Code, as amended, if none are installed.
Guardrails in place at the time of adoption of this subsection will
not require replacement until such time as they are deteriorated,
no longer functional or deemed unsafe. Stairways and porches in other
multiple-family dwellings shall comply with the appropriate provisions
of the Uniform Dwelling Code, as may be amended from time to time,
contained in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and adopted by reference
elsewhere in this Code.
G.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
(1)
A listed and labeled multiple-station smoke alarm with battery backup
shall be installed in the following locations in multiple-family dwelling
units:
(a)
An alarm shall be installed in each sleeping room.
(b)
On floor levels that contain one or more sleeping areas, an
alarm shall be installed outside of the sleeping rooms, in the vicinity
of each sleeping area.
(c)
On floor levels that do not contain a sleeping area, an alarm
shall be installed in a common area on each floor level.
(2)
Smoke detectors shall be continuously powered by the house electrical
service, and shall be interconnected so that activation of one detector
results in the activation of all detectors.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
(3)
Smoke alarms and detectors shall be maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications.
H.
Natural gas ranges. When provided or used in any dwelling unit subject
to the provisions of this chapter, natural gas ranges, ovens and oven/range
combinations of any type shall be installed, maintained and used or
operated in a safe and nonhazardous manner, pursuant to any applicable
state or national codes and regulations. Whenever such an appliance
is found or determined to be or is certified by the Wisconsin Public
Service Commission or a provider utility as unsafe or hazardous, no
person shall use, nor shall any person permit others to use, the appliance
until all appropriate repairs have been made and the appliance is
certified as safe for its intended use.
All habitable buildings shall comply with the following requirements
for heating, ventilation, electrical service and lighting:
A.
Heating. Every dwelling shall have heating facilities which are capable
of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms and bathrooms
to a temperature of at least 67° F. with an outside temperature
of -15° F. without forcing the heating facilities beyond safe
capacity. All facilities shall be operated to maintain at least this
minimum temperature during all occupied periods.
B.
Ventilation.
(1)
Every habitable room shall be provided with window and/or door areas
openable to the outside equal to at least 3.5% of the floor area except
mechanical ventilation can be provided in a kitchen in lieu of windows
or doors when the ventilation system is designed and installed according
to accepted engineering practices or manufacturer's written specifications.
(2)
Every bathroom and toilet compartment shall be equipped with mechanical
exhaust ventilation, directly to the outside and installed according
to accepted engineering practices or manufacturer's written specifications,
with an intermittent rate of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) or a continuous
rate of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm), regardless of whether or not
a window is present.
(4)
All openings to a building which might provide an entry for rodents
shall effectively be protected at all times so as to prevent their
entry.
C.
Electrical service.
(1)
Every habitable room shall contain with receptacle spacing as denoted
in the currently adopted version of the National Electric Code or
Ch. SPS 316, Wis. Adm. Code. Every bathroom shall contain one wall
convenience outlet and one wall or ceiling light fixture. Every such
outlet and fixture shall be properly installed and shall be maintained
in good and safe working condition and shall be connected to the source
of the electric power in a safe manner.
(2)
In every building accommodating two or more dwelling units using
the same corridors and stairways, adequate lighting shall be provided
in such corridors and stairways when needed. Such lighting shall be
operated by any of the following means:
(3)
Electrical service panels shall be readily accessible to all occupants
in a dwelling without passing through another dwelling unit as required
by the National Electrical Code as may be amended from time to time.
(4)
Exterior lighting shall be required to illuminate exterior entry/exit
steps in or leading to dwelling units.
D.
Natural lighting. Every habitable room shall be provided with window
areas equal to at least 8% of the floor area.
All habitable buildings shall comply with the following requirements
for maintenance:
A.
Floors, walls, etc.
(1)
Every floor, floor covering, wall, ceiling and kitchen countertop
and cupboard shall be kept in good repair. Every building shell, foundation,
exterior door and roof shall be kept in good repair and weather tight.
(2)
All rainwater shall be so drained from the roof so as not to cause
dampness inside the dwelling unit and so drained as not to allow standing
water, water damage or other detrimental conditions in the dwelling.
(3)
All windows shall be maintained in good repair and in a weathertight
condition.
(4)
All interior doors shall be maintained in good repair.
B.
Stairs and porches. Every inside and outside stair, every porch,
every guardrail and appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as
to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use
would cause to be placed thereon, and shall be kept in sound condition
and good repair, and in a clean condition. Such stairs and porches
shall be kept free of refuse or stored material.
C.
Plumbing systems. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a sanitary
and functional condition. Leaking pipes and cracked or broken fixtures
shall be considered unsanitary.
D.
Chimney and smoke pipes. Every chimney and smoke pipe shall be adequately
supported, reasonably clean and maintained in a good state of repair
and functionality.
E.
Discontinuance of service. No owner, occupant or operator shall cause
any required service, facility, equipment or utility to be removed
from, shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling except
for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs
or alterations are in progress, or during a temporary emergency, or
when authorized by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
F.
Safe and clean dwelling units and premises. No owner shall rent to
any other person for occupancy or allow any person to occupy any dwelling
unit or premises unless it is safe and clean, and complies with all
provisions of this chapter and this Code of Ordinances.
G.
Cleanliness. Every dwelling unit and its accessory structures shall
be kept free of any accumulation of refuse, trash, debris or other
matter.
No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any dwelling
or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not
comply with the following requirements:
A.
Floor space. Every dwelling unit except hotels and rooming houses shall contain at least 150 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant thereof and at least 100 additional square feet of floor space for every additional occupant thereof. In the case of conflict between minimum floor space requirements contained in Chapter 580, Zoning, and this chapter, the more restrictive provision shall be applicable.
B.
Habitable room area. Floor area shall be calculated on the basis
of habitable room area. However, closet area and hall area within
the dwelling unit, where provided, may count for not more than 10%
of the required habitable floor area.
C.
Ceiling height. At least 1/2 of the floor area of every habitable
room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven feet and the floor
area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than
five feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing
floor area of the room for determining the maximum permissible occupancy
thereof.
D.
Access to bathroom facilities. Every occupant of every dwelling unit
shall have unrestricted access to a bath and flush toilet and to a
sink or lavatory basin located within the dwelling unit. Such access
shall not be through more than one sleeping room.
E.
Basement space. A basement space may be used as a living or sleeping
room or a dwelling unit if floors and walls are impervious to the
leakage of underground and surface runoff water, excess humidity is
controlled, and the space used complies with the requirements for
habitable rooms.
Where in this chapter the obligation for observance is not otherwise
clearly designated, the respective responsibility of owner, operator
and occupant is as follows:
A.
Responsibility of owner. Every owner of a dwelling shall be responsible
for maintaining in a safe, clean and good condition all communal,
shared or public areas of the dwelling and appurtenant premises. Yards
and grounds shall additionally be the responsibility of the owner
and kept in a safe, clean, maintained and good condition.
B.
Responsibilities of occupants. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling
unit shall maintain in a clean condition that part of the dwelling,
dwelling unit and yard which he/she occupies and controls.
C.
Storage of garbage and refuse. Every owner shall notify in writing
the occupant and shall ensure that garbage and refuse shall be properly
stored behind and adjacent to the rear of the dwelling at a point
farthest away from any public sidewalk, alley or thoroughfare; that
all garbage and refuse shall be stored in proper receptacles and shall
be placed at the curb or alley line for collection no earlier than
4:00 p.m. of the day preceding collection as established by the Village
and that all receptacles shall be returned by the occupant(s) to the
point of storage within 12 hours after collection.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
D.
Disposal of garbage. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit,
who does not otherwise provide for the disposal of garbage in a sanitary
and inoffensive manner shall prepare all his/her garbage for collection
and place it, pending collection, in a proper receptacle as provided
herein. The owner shall be responsible for supplying such facilities
or receptacles for all dwelling units in dwellings containing more
than two dwelling units. In all other cases, the occupant shall be
responsible for such facilities or receptacles.
E.
Extermination of pests.
(1)
Every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than
one dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any
insects, rodents, pigeons, or other pests therein, whenever his/her
dwelling unit is the only one infested; provided, however, that when
infestation is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling
in a rodent- or pigeon-proof or substantially insect-proof condition,
or if termites infest the dwelling, extermination shall be the responsibility
of the owner.
(2)
Every owner or operator shall be responsible for extermination of
any insects, rodents, pigeons or other pests whenever infestation
occurs in more than one dwelling unit in a dwelling, or in shared
or public parts of a dwelling or two or more units or in any vacant
unit.
A.
In cases of existing violations, the Village shall order compliance
with this chapter within a stated period of time not to exceed six
months. However, in case of hardship, the Village Building Inspector
may grant, at his/her discretion, time extensions not exceeding six
months each, and not exceeding a total of one year from the time of
original order. Said extensions shall be granted only upon evidence
of substantial effort to, and progress in, removing the violation.
B.
Any dwelling declared structurally unsafe shall be restored or razed
according to the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes and the Village
Building Code. The Building Inspector is hereby designated as an officer
to carry out the razing provisions thereof.
