[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Sullivan 8-22-2006 (Title 15, Ch. 4, of the 2006 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
Title. This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Minimum Housing Code" of the Village of Sullivan.
B. 
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to prevent the deterioration of residential units and neighborhoods and to insure a minimum level of housing standards for the residents of the Village of Sullivan. 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 insure the maintenance of property values within the Village of Sullivan.
C. 
Scope. This chapter shall pertain to all dwellings in the Village of Sullivan except one-family owner-occupied dwellings.
A. 
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.
B. 
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:
APARTMENT HOTEL
Same as "hotel."
APPROVED
In accordance with the regulations established by Village ordinance or the Village Code, and authority designated by law to enforce such ordinance or Code provision.
BASEMENT
A typically defined structure lying below the main floor of a home and may or may not have a separate entrance and utilities.
BATH
A bathtub or shower stall properly connected with both hot and cold water lines.
BATHROOM
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.
BEDROOM
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.
COMMUNAL
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.
DEAD BOLT LOCKING DEVICE
Any keyed, mortised lockset with at least a three-quarter-inch bolt capable of being opened from the inside by a single turn of a knob.
DETERIORATION
The condition of a building or part thereof characterized by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, peeling, excessive rusting or other evidence of physical decay or neglect, lack of maintenance or excessive use. All exterior wood and composition surfaces shall be properly protected from the elements and against decay by paint, stain or other protective coating and applied in a workmanlike and attractive manner. Covering of exterior surfaces with plywood, tarps or plastic sheeting, other than temporarily for up to 30 days, does not constitute sufficient exterior protection and care.
DWELLING
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, tourist courts or tourist homes.
DWELLING UNIT
A room or suite of rooms used as a single-family dwelling, including bath and culinary facilities.
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOME
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:
(1) 
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.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
(2) 
Is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) 
Is properly connected to utilities.
DWELLING, MOBILE HOME
Any vehicle or structure constructed in such a manner as to permit occupancy thereof as living quarters and so designed that it is or may be mounted on wheels and used as conveyance on highways and streets, propelled or drawn by its own or other motor power. Any mobile home less than 30 feet in overall length is defined as a "recreational vehicle."
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY OR APARTMENT BUILDING
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.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
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.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
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.
EFFICIENCY APARTMENT
A dwelling unit consisting of one habitable room.
ELEMENTS
Any element, whether created by nature or by man, which, with reasonable foreseeability, could carry litter from one place to another. "Elements" include, but are not limited to, air current, rain, water current and animals.
EXPOSED TO PUBLIC VIEW
Any premises, or any part thereof, or any building, part thereof, or exterior grounds associated with such structure, which may be viewed by the public.
EXTERMINATION
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.
FAMILY
As defined in § 485-8 in Chapter 485, Zoning, of this Code.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
GARBAGE
The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the preparation, handling, cooking and consumption of food.
HABITABLE ROOM
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.
HOTEL
A structure in which lodging, or boarding and lodging, are provided and offered to the public for compensation, and in which ingress and egress to and from all rooms is 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 boardinghouse which is herein separately defined.
INFESTATION
The presence of any insects, rodents, or other pests within a dwelling or on the dwelling premises.
INOPERABLE VEHICLE
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 Chs. 347 and 348, Wis. Stats., Ch. Trans 305, Wis. Adm. Code, or this Code.
KITCHEN
A habitable room or area used or intended to be used for cooking or the preparation of meals.
LITTER
Includes, but is not limited to, any uncontainerized man-made or man-used waste, which, if deposited within the Village other than in a permitted litter, refuse or recycling receptacle, tends to create a danger, hazard or threat to public health, safety and welfare or to impair the environment of the citizens of the Village. Litter may include, but is not limited to, any garbage, trash, refuse, debris, lawn or garden waste not being properly composted, newsprint, magazines, glass, metal, plastic or paper containers, construction materials, motor vehicle parts or inoperable vehicles of any type, furniture, waste oil, dead animals or nauseous or offensive matter of any kind or any object likely to injure any person, damage property values, or create a traffic or public safety or health hazard.
NUISANCE
For the purposes of this chapter shall be defined as follows:
(1) 
Whatever is dangerous to human life or is detrimental to health.
(2) 
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.
(3) 
Overcrowding a room with occupants.
(4) 
Insufficient ventilation or illumination.
(5) 
Inadequate or unsanitary sewerage or plumbing facilities.
(6) 
Uncleanliness.
(7) 
Whatever renders air, food or drink unwholesome or is detrimental to the health of human beings.
(8) 
Unsafe or dangerous wiring.
(9) 
Any other conditions defined elsewhere in this Code as a "nuisance."
OCCUPANT
Any person living, sleeping or eating, or having actual possession of a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
OPERATOR
Any person who is in charge or control of a building or part thereof in which dwelling units or rooming units are let.
OWNER
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.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, corporation, limited-liability company, partnership or association.
PLUMBING
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. III)]
PREMISES
A lot, together with all buildings and structures thereon.
REFUSE
All decayed and decomposed solid waste, including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, dead animals, excessive animal waste, abandoned or inoperable vehicles, trailers or equipment of any kind, and solid wastes.
ROOMER
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.
ROOMING HOUSE
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.
ROOMING UNIT
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.
RUBBISH
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.
SUPPLIED
Paid for, furnished, or provided by or under the control of the operator or owner.
VILLAGE
The Village of Sullivan, Wisconsin.
WATER CLOSET
A room which typically contains, in good working condition, a toilet and lavatory.
A. 
Authority. The Building 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 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 designated in writing. The notice shall include at least:
(1) 
A description of the real estate sufficient for identification;
(2) 
A statement of the alleged violation(s);
(3) 
An order for remedial action; and
(4) 
A provision allowing reasonable time, up to six months, for performance of any action required.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 15-4-4(b), Appeals from orders, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).
B. 
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."
C. 
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.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 392, Solid Waste.
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.[2]
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 173, Building Construction.
G. 
Smoke 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 activation of all detectors.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
(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.
I. 
Doors.
(1) 
Exterior entry/exit doors shall be of solid core construction and capable of affording security by the installation of dead bolt locking devices.
(2) 
Bedrooms shall be equipped with doors for privacy.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Original § 15-4-6, Minimum standards for heating, ventilation, electrical service and lighting, which immediately followed this section, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).
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 weathertight.
(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.
G. 
Cleanliness. Every dwelling unit and its accessory structures shall be kept free of any accumulation of refuse, trash, debris or other matter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 15-4-8, Conditions of occupancy of dwellings and dwelling units, which immediately followed this section, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).
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 insure 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 not be placed at the curb or alley line for collection 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.
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 rodentproof or pigeonproof or substantially insectproof 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.
F. 
Maintenance of exterior of premises. The exterior of the premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances and any hazards to the safety of the occupant, pedestrians and other persons utilizing the premises and free of unsanitary conditions, and any of the following shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner, operator or resident. It shall be the duty of the owner, operator or resident to keep the premises free of hazards which include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Refuse, such as brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris.
(2) 
Natural growth, such as dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity. Trees shall be kept properly pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
(3) 
Overhangs, such as loose and other hangings which, by reason of location above ground level, constitute a danger of falling on or injuring persons in the vicinity. All premises shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 399, Streets and Sidewalks, of this Code.
(4) 
Sources of infestation.
(5) 
The exterior of the premises, the exterior of structures and the condition of accessory buildings/structures shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and structures/buildings shall not constitute a blighting factor.
(6) 
Holes, excavations, breaks, improper projections, obstructions and excretion of animals on paths, sidewalks, walks, driveways, parking areas and other parts of the exterior of the premises which are accessible to and used by persons having access to such premises.
G. 
Litter control.
(1) 
Litter collection and storage areas. Every owner, occupant or lessee of a building used for residential, business, commercial or industrial purposes shall maintain litter collection and storage areas in a clean condition and ensure that all litter is properly containerized. Failure to maintain clean litter collection and storage areas shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) 
Duty to collect litter before it is carried from premises. All litter that is subject to movement by the elements shall be secured by the owner or occupant of the premises where it is found before the litter is allowed to be removed from the premises by the elements.
(3) 
Neglected premises visible to the public. It shall be the duty of any person owning or controlling any premises, including vacant lots and accessory buildings visible from any public place or private premises, to maintain such premises in a reasonably clean and orderly manner. It shall be a violation of this subsection to abandon, neglect or disregard the condition or appearance of any premises so as to permit it to accumulate litter.
(4) 
Areas around business premises. The owner, lessee, or person in control of any public place, including, but not limited to, restaurants, stores, shopping centers, fast-food outlets, hotels, motels, industrial establishments, office buildings, apartment buildings, housing projects, gas stations, clinics and other business/industrial establishments shall at all times keep the premises clean of all litter and shall take measures, including daily cleanup of the premises, to prevent litter from being carried by the elements to adjoining premises. It shall be a violation of this subsection to abandon, neglect or disregard the condition or appearance of such premises so as to permit it to accumulate litter.
(5) 
Loading and unloading docks. The person owning, operating or in control of loading or unloading dock(s) shall at all times maintain the dock area free of litter in such manner that litter will be prevented from being carried from the premises by the elements.
H. 
Appearance of exterior of the premises and window display areas. The exterior of the premises shall be maintained so that the appearance thereof shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood or such higher standards as may be adopted by the Village of Sullivan and such that the appearance thereof shall not constitute a blighting effect upon neighboring properties nor an element leading to progressive deterioration and downgrading of neighboring properties with any accompanying diminution of property values, including the following:
(1) 
Landscaping. Where exposed to the public view, the landscaping of a premises shall be maintained in an orderly fashion with lawns and bushes trimmed and free from becoming overgrown, littered and unsightly where such would constitute a blighting effect, depreciating adjoining and nearby property. Open areas shall be graded evenly to eliminate holes, depressions, gullies, mounds, accumulations of debris or other unsightly or unsafe conditions. Specifically, the requirements of Chapter 285, Health and Sanitation, of this Code shall be complied with.
(2) 
Windows and window display areas. All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks, broken glass and foreign substances. Except when necessary in the course of changing displays, no storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas ordinarily exposed to public view, unless such areas are first screened by drapes, blinds or other means of making the windows translucent. All screening of interiors shall be maintained in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair.
(3) 
Structural soundness and general maintenance. The exterior of every building shall be maintained in good repair and all exterior surfaces thereof shall be kept painted, stained or otherwise provided with a protective treatment where necessary for purposes of preservation and appearance. All exterior surfaces thereof shall be maintained from broken glass, excessively loose shingles or siding, crumbling masonry, excessively peeling paint or other condition reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance to the end that the building itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and adjoining properties and the neighborhood protected from blighting influences.
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 Chapter 173, Building Construction, of the Village Code. The Building Inspector is hereby designated as an officer to carry out the razing provisions thereof.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
A. 
Storage of automobiles and other debris restricted.
(1) 
No disassembled, inoperable, unlicensed, junked or wrecked motor vehicles, truck bodies, tractors, trailers, farm machinery, appliances, recreational vehicles, household furnishings, abandoned mobile homes or trailers, miscellaneous junk or appliances, junk, or construction equipment or debris shall be stored unenclosed or within public view upon private residential property within the Village of Sullivan for a period exceeding 10 days or, if it is stored in connection with an authorized business enterprise, the premises shall be maintained in such a manner as to not constitute a public nuisance and at all times shall be in compliance with this section and Chapter 485, Zoning.
(2) 
Outside storage of items listed above (but not limited to) on a commercial or industrial property shall be enclosed by a fence or other enclosure of a design approved by the Village Board.
(3) 
Any business engaged in automotive sales or repair located in a properly zoned district may retain no more than three disassembled, inoperable, unlicensed or wrecked vehicles, or other item(s) listed in Subsection A(1), in the open and/or outside its Village-approved enclosure, for a period not to exceed 30 days, after which such vehicles shall be removed.
B. 
Definitions. In addition to the definitions in § 432-1B of Chapter 432, Vehicles, Abandoned and Junked, of this Code, the following definitions shall be applicable in this section:
ABANDONED MOBILE HOME OR TRAILER
One which has not been used or occupied, or which due to dilapidated condition cannot be occupied in a healthful manner, within the past 365 days.
DISASSEMBLED, INOPERABLE, JUNKED OR WRECKED MOTOR VEHICLES, TRUCK BODIES, TRACTORS, TRAILERS
Motor vehicles, recreational vehicles (boats, campers, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.), truck bodies, tractors, farm machinery or trailers, and other items listed in Subsection A, or defined in this subsection, in such state of physical or mechanical ruin as to be incapable of propulsion or being operated legally upon the public streets or highways or which is otherwise not in safe or legal condition for operation on public streets or highways due to missing or inoperative parts, flat or removed tires, expired or missing license plates or other defects. For purposes of this section, may also be referred to as "nuisance motor vehicles."
ENCLOSURE
Type of construction required to hide and harbor vehicles from public view, excluding tarps. The Village Board shall have sole authority to determine the adequacy of enclosures required under this chapter, which may be a structure, fence, vegetative screening, or other type of enclosure deemed acceptable.
INOPERABLE APPLIANCE
Any stove, washer, refrigerator or other appliance which is no longer operable in the sense for which it was manufactured.
JUNK
Worn out or discarded material of little or no value, including, but not limited to, household appliances or parts thereof, tools, discarded building materials or any other unsightly debris, the accumulation of which has an adverse effect upon the neighborhood or Village property values, health, safety or general welfare.
MOTOR VEHICLE
As defined in § 340.01(35), Wis. Stats. Additionally, "motor vehicle" means any automobile, automobile part, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, recreational vehicle, motor home, bus, motorcycle, van or other device designed for travel.
OWNER
Considered to be the person(s) who occupies the premises and who may or may not be the responsible person(s) harboring such unlicensed motor vehicle.
REPAIR WORK
Includes mechanical, electrical and body work, maintenance, construction, reconstruction, assembly, disassembly, restoration, painting, upholstering or any similar or related work performed on any motor vehicle.
STREET REPAIRS
Temporary repair work performed on a motor vehicle in a manner and place which will not create a danger or hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
TEMPORARY REPAIR WORK
Repair work which is performed within 24 hours of motor vehicle becoming unexpectedly unroadworthy on a street, highway or thoroughfare, which work will make or attempt to make said motor vehicle roadworthy.
UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES, TRUCK BODIES, TRACTORS OR TRAILERS
Motor vehicles, truck bodies, tractors, recreational vehicles or trailers which do not bear lawful current license plates.
C. 
Exceptions.
(1) 
This section shall not apply to:
(a) 
Any motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessories stored within an enclosed building or on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner in a properly zoned area, in such a manner as to not constitute a nuisance, when necessary to the operation of such business enterprise, in an enclosed storage place or depository maintained in a lawful place and manner.
(b) 
A vehicle meeting the standards for a repair work exception under Subsection D below.
(c) 
Any business engaged in the sale, repair or storage of such unlicensed vehicles in a properly zoned district may store such vehicles, provided a public nuisance is not created and activities are in full compliance with this section and Chapter 485, Zoning. The Village Board may determine the necessity of such storage and may impose limitations or require fencing or other type of approved enclosure of such nonresidential properties.
(2) 
In other situations the Village Board may issue a one-time temporary permit permitting an extension of not to exceed an additional 30 days' time to comply with this section where exceptional facts and circumstances warrant such extension.
(3) 
No exceptions shall be recognized by the Village under this section for vehicles deemed by their owners to be race cars, parts cars, or collectible vehicles.
D. 
Vehicle repair work; limitations. Repair work of vehicles may only be performed upon observance of the following conditions and restrictions:
(1) 
Repair work upon residentially zoned private property cannot be performed for financial gain or profit obtained through fees, barter, charges or appreciation in the value of a motor vehicle purchased for the purpose of resale. Repair work upon other than residentially zoned property shall be in accordance with Chapter 485, Zoning, and in compliance with the applicable state and Village ordinances, rules and regulations, licenses and permits.
(2) 
Except for authorized street repairs, repair work which renders a motor vehicle inoperable for a period of more than three days shall only be performed in a garage, shed or enclosed structure or, in the case of a nonresidential property, in a fenced area which fully screens repair work from the view of the owners, users and occupiers of abutting and neighboring properties and from the view of passersby using public thoroughfares, streets and highways.
(3) 
Street repairs may be performed only within the scope of the definition thereof.
E. 
Enforcement.
(1) 
Whenever an enforcement official shall find any vehicles or appliances, as described herein, placed or stored in the open upon private property within the Village, he/she shall notify the owner of said property on which said vehicle or appliance is stored of the violation of this section. If said vehicles or appliance is not removed within five days, an enforcement official shall cause to be issued a citation to the property owner or tenant of the property upon which said vehicle or appliance is stored.
(2) 
If such vehicle or appliance is not removed within 15 days after issuance of a citation, an enforcement official shall cause the vehicle or appliance to be removed and impounded, and it shall thereafter be disposed of as prescribed in §§ 432-3 through 432-6 of Chapter 432, Vehicles, Abandoned, of this Code by an enforcement official. Any cost incurred in the removal and sale of said vehicle or appliance shall be recovered from the owner. However, if the owner of the vehicle or appliance cannot readily be found, the cost of such removal shall be charged to the property from which it is removed, which charges shall be entered as a special charge on the tax roll.
F. 
Penalty. Any person who shall interfere with the enforcement of any of the provisions of this section and shall be found guilty thereof shall be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article II, of this Code. Each motor vehicle or appliance involved shall constitute a separate offense.