§ 25-20. Property maintenance.

(a)

General. All exterior property including yards, ground covers, trees, shrubs or other landscaping; and any exterior surfaces of any buildings or structures including but not limited to fences, walls, or roofs, or appurtenances including but not limited to windows, window frames, window screens, doors, door frames, canopies, awnings, cornices, porches, stairways, railings or similar items shall be properly maintained and shall not otherwise present a blighted or deteriorated appearance.

(b)

Exterior windows, doors, and screens. All exterior doors, door frames, windows and window frames shall be maintained in sound condition, securely fit in their frames, be substantially weather tight and shall not otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. Window screens, if present, shall be free from excessive tears or holes or bent or broken frames. Boarded window or door openings on an occupied structure are prohibited.

(c)

Fences, screen walls, and retaining walls. All fences, screen walls and retaining walls on the property shall be maintained in a safe and structurally sound condition; and shall not otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. This includes but is not limited to leaning or damaged fences, fences missing slats or blocks or any other materials that are otherwise broken or damaged in such amounts as to present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. All materials shall be uniform, compatible, and consistent with the design thereof.

(d)

Landscaping. All property shall be free from any conditions that contribute to visual blight including but not limited to dirt yards, vegetation of any kind that is substantially dead or damaged or characterized by uncontrolled growth or lack of maintenance or any similar conditions. Ground cover consisting of crushed rock, gravel or similar materials shall be one quarter (¼) inch or larger in size and be maintained at a sufficient depth that covers all exposed areas of dirt.

(e)

Protective treatment. All exterior wood surfaces exposed to weather, except decay resistant woods, shall be protected with paint or other protective covering.

(f)

Painted surfaces. All exterior painted surfaces shall be maintained in sound condition. Painted surfaces that represent a blighted or deteriorated appearance including but not limited to excessive peeling, flaking, chipping, or cracking shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted.

(g)

Roofs and roof coverings. Roofs and all appurtenances shall be structurally sound and maintained in a safe condition. Roof coverings shall be substantially free from broken, rotted, split or curled materials and shall not otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. All materials shall be uniform, compatible and consistent with the design thereof.

(Ord. No. 2329, § 2, 7-8-03)