§ 34.09. Exterior structure on residential properties.

The owner of any premises regulated by this section, as specified in section 34.03, shall comply with the following requirements:

(1)

Protective treatments. All exterior surfaces, including, but not limited to doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences, shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting, by utilizing paint which is not lead-based, or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding, stucco, masonry and/or similar finishes, as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter windows, doors and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion or replaced with an approved corrosive resistant material. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.

(2)

Foundations, walls, roof and other exterior surfaces. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair.

a.

The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points.

b.

Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit dampness to the interior portions of the wall or to the interior spaces of structures.

c.

Paint. Exterior surfaces of any structure or accessory thereto shall not have exposed accumulative paint or other surface-covering material containing lead equal to or greater than one-half of one (0.5) percent by weight or in excess of one (1) milligram per square centimeter of surface area if such paint or surface-covering material is blistered, cracked, flaked, scaled or chalked away.

d.

Roof. The roof shall be weather tight and kept in a professional state of maintenance and repair, impervious to water and have no defects which admit water or dampness to the interior of the building. No building roof shall be used for storage of any materials or objects unless approved by the enforcement officer.

e.

Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks and similar appurtenances shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair.

(3)

Stairs, porches, decks and railings.

a.

Every outside stair, porch and deck shall be constructed safely and shall be capable of supporting imposed loads as determined in the building code and shall be kept in a professional state of maintenance and repair with proper anchorage. Every stairway, porch, deck or step which is more than thirty (30) inches above grade shall have guardrails and intermediate rails, no more than six (6) inches apart or in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit.

b.

Every flight of stairs shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair and in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. Every required handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting imposed loads and shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair and in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit.

(4)

Windows, doors and hatchways. Every window, exterior door and basement hatchway shall be substantially tight and shall be kept in a professional state of maintenance and repair.

a.

Windows shall be fully supplied with window panes which are without open cracks or holes.

b.

Sashes shall be in sound condition and fit reasonably tight within the frame.

c.

Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be capable of being easily opened and be able to be held in the open position.

d.

All windows shall be maintained in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit.

e.

All screens shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair.

f.

Every exterior door and its hardware shall be in sound condition and fit within its frame.

g.

Every basement hatchway shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water into the structure.

h.

Every door available as an exit shall be capable of being opened from the inside, easily and without the use of a key. Exceptions to the requirements of this subsection for single-family homes and grade level duplex and townhouse units are contained in 326B.106.

i.

Doors and door frames shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair and in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit.

j.

Patio and glider doors shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair. Patio and glider door locks incapable of repair may be substituted with a suitable device.

(C.F. No. 05-740, § 1, 9-14-05; Ord 16-58, § 1, 1-4-17)