It is declared that there exists in the city numerous dwellings which are substandard in one or more important features of structural safety, sanitary facilities and maintenance, and healthful occupancy; and that these conditions together with the inadequate provision for light and air, insufficient protection against fire, unsanitary conditions, lack of proper heating, overcrowding of dwellings, deterioration and disrepair of dwellings and dwelling premises and the occupancy of unfit dwellings, endanger the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community, and give impetus to the continuation, extension and aggravation of urban blight and decay. It is further declared that the establishment and enforcement of minimum housing standards, and the rehabilitation of housing are essential to the public health, safety and general welfare.
(Prior code § 14-4)
The purpose of this chapter shall be to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the condition and maintenance of all dwellings and dwelling premises, establishing minimum standards governing utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to make dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation; fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators and occupant of dwellings and dwelling premises; and fixing the conditions whereby certain dwellings may be declared unfit for occupancy and condemned for human habitation; and fixing penalties for violations of the provisions of this chapter.
(Prior code § 14-5)
Every portion of a dwelling and its premises used or intended to be used for any dwelling purpose shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, irrespective of when such building shall have been constructed, altered or repaired; and irrespective of any permits or licenses which shall have been issued for the use or occupancy of the dwelling and dwelling premises, for the construction or repair of the dwelling or for the installation or repair of dwelling equipment or plumbing prior to September 24, 1963. This chapter establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy of all dwellings and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established for the construction, repair or use of buildings or the installation of building equipment or plumbing except as they may be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
(Prior code § 14-6)
There shall be established in the department of inspection, a division of minimum housing standards for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and such other matters as may appropriately be assigned to it; and the director of the division of minimum housing standards shall be the enforcing officer of this chapter.
(Prior code § 14-7)
The division of minimum housing standards of the inspection department shall be operated under the general direction of the inspector of buildings and under the immediate supervision and control of a chief inspector of minimum housing standards.
The director of the division may delegate any of his or her powers or duties under the provisions of this chapter to any properly qualified employee of the division.
(Prior code § 14-8)
The director of the division shall annually submit a written report to the mayor and the city council regarding the activities of the division of minimum housing standards, and the procedures used in the administration and enforcement of this chapter, which will indicate the progress and problems experienced in improving the sanitation, safety and rehabilitation of existing dwellings and dwelling premises.
(Prior code § 14-9)
The personnel of the division of minimum housing standards shall consist of a director of the division, chief inspector of the division and such other inspectors, clerks and other personnel as may be necessary for the proper organization of the division and for the proper enforcement of this chapter.
(Prior code § 14-10)
The mayor shall appoint a technical advisory committee to assist the department of inspection and the division of minimum housing standards in carrying out the duties of enforcing this chapter. The committee shall consist of the city solicitor, the finance director, the director of public works, the chief of the fire department, the director of the planning board, a member of the city council and such other city officials as the mayor may appoint. The inspector of buildings shall act as chairman of the technical advisory committee.
(Prior code § 14-11)
The chief inspector of the division shall be in the classified service and shall be appointed in accordance with Section 9.07 of the charter. The chief inspector shall be the responsible head of the inspection staff and shall exercise such authority as shall be delegated to him or her by the director of the division. All other personnel of the division shall be in the classified service and shall be appointed in accordance with Section 9.07 of the charter.
(Prior code § 14-12)
The director of the division shall be the hearing officer of the division and as such shall be responsible for the scheduling, conducting and recording of hearings as provided for in Sections 15.12.150 to 15.12.280; except, that the director of the division may delegate these duties to the chief inspector or any other qualified employee of the division.
(Prior code § 14-13)
Inspectors of the division of minimum housing standards shall wear such badges or insignia as may be prescribed by the ordinances of the city and shall, upon request, exhibit clear identification whenever it shall be their duty to visit private residences, buildings or premises for the purpose of making any survey, examination or inspection.
(Prior code § 14-14)