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Staff Report
REVIEW OF RENTAL HOUSING CODE AS IT RELATES
TO EXTERIOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
On February 1, 2002, the City Council requested staff to review the current Rental Housing Code
and analyze which provisions in the ordinance deal with exterior property maintenance issues.
The following is a list of those sections in the rental code (Chapter 13) that are related to exterior
maintenance issues.
1. Each dwelling unit shall be reasonably weather tight. All areas of the building shall be
structurally sound. [Section 13.22(1)]
2. Each entrance door to a dwelling shall be supplied with a lock and have a reasonable fit.
[Section 13.23]
3. Glass doors and windows shall be unbroken. [Section 13.23]
4. Storm doors and windows shall be supplied and installed for exterior doors and windows
from Fall until Spring, except with respect to thermal-pane windows and insulated
exterior doors. Screens shall be kept in good repair. [Section 13.23]
5. Wall and floor penetrations, such as, for utility lines, shall be enclosed or sealed with
appropriate material to reduce spread of fire or passage of vermin. [Section 13.24]
6. Roof drainage shall be provided to avoid discharge on steps, walkways, or entrances
where possible. [Section 13.25]
7. Dwelling units and premises shall be free of garbage and reasonably free of rubbish.
Rodents and pest harborages should be eliminated. [Section 13.27]
8. Buildings shall display a clearly, marked street address. [Section 13.35(4)]
9. Owners or operators shall be responsible for:
a. Maintaining public areas of the premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
b. Ensuring that stagnant water is not allowed to accumulate or stand anywhere
on the premises.
c. Supplying each outside door and window intended for ventilation of a
habitable room with a screen adequate to prevent entry of insects and
installing such screens each Spring and removing them each Fall.
d. Removing snow and ice from walks and drives.
e. Mowing lawns, trimming shrubs and trees, and controlling weeds to maintain
c
the premises in a neat condition, comparable to other premises in the
neighborhood.
f. Providing for garbage and rubbish removal and supplying such facilities or
containers as are necessary for the sanitary disposal of all garbage and
rubbish.
[Section 13.38(1)]
10. Occupants shall be responsible for:
a. Disposing of rubbish, garbage, and other organic waste in a clean and
sanitary manner, by placing it in disposal facilities or storage containers, and
by reclosing or replacing container lids.
[Section 13.38(3)]
11. Occupants shall not remove upholstered furniture, or other furniture intended for indoor
use, to the yard for use as lawn furniture. [Section 13.38(3)]
In general,these requirements relate to garbage, mowing,trimming, storm windows, and
obvious structural or weather admittance problems. There is no prohibition against
chipping/peeling paint or age of siding, windows, or roof. Therefore, siding,windows, or roof
may be deteriorated but still meet the minimal standards of the Rental Housing Code if they
are reasonably weather tight. There are no standards for aesthetics in the Rental Housing
Code.
The Inspection Staff inspect each dwelling unit every three years and upon complaint. There is no
guarantee that once the inspection takes place that the structure will remain in compliance until the next
inspection.
Somewhat related to exterior maintenance, are regulations pertaining to garbage and refuse.
12. It is unlawful to place garbage or refuse outside of a building unless it is enclosed in a
water tight receptacle provided with a tight fitting cover. [Section 10.3]
13. It is the duty of every person using a garbage or refuse receptacle to cause it to be
emptied before it is so full that the cover will not fit tightly. [Section 10.5]