§ 1119-03. General Requirements.  


Latest version.
  • 1119-03.1 Scope: The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum safety conditions and standards for existing nonresidential structures and exterior property accessory thereto.

    1119-03.2 Vacant structures and land: All vacant structures and premises thereof, exterior property or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure, and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to adversely affect the public health or safety.

    1119-03.2.1 Vacant Lots: Whenever the maintenance of any vacant lot or lots without enclosing fences shall, in the opinion of the director of buildings and inspections, constitute a nuisance, he shall be authorized to compel the owner or agent in charge of any such lot or lots to enclose the same with a fence. Notice of the order of the director of buildings and inspections declaring a vacant or unenclosed lot or lots to be a nuisance shall be served upon the owner or any agent. If there is no resident owner or agent, the notice shall be served by mail addressed to the last known place of residence of the owner or agent. Any owner or agent failing to comply with such notice within 20 days from the date of serving, shall be subject to the penalty prescribed by the CBC. In a situation of immediate danger, the director of buildings and inspections shall be authorized to cause such protective construction to be erected as he may consider necessary, and to charge the cost thereof to the owner.

    1119-03.2.2 Basement or Foundation Holes: When any building is removed, the basement or foundation hole shall be filled with non-combustible material and the lot shall be graded, or upon approval of the director of buildings and inspections the owner shall provide and maintain a fence adequate to prevent injury to the public.

    1119-03.2.3 Trees: Every tree, whether located on a vacant lot or on a lot improved with any building, structure or other facility, shall be maintained in a safe condition. When a tree or any part thereof becomes in such a condition as to constitute a hazard to life or property, the director of buildings and inspections may order the tree or hazardous portion thereof taken down and removed from the premises. Dead trees, or portions thereof, shall be considered prima facie evidence of an unsafe condition.

    1119-03.3 Building structure: The interior and exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

    1119-03.3.1 Structural members: All structural members shall be maintained free of deterioration, and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads.

    1119-03.3.2 Foundation walls: All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rats.

    1119-03.3.3 Exterior walls: All exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface-coated where required to prevent deterioration.

    1119-03.3.4 Roofs and drainage: All roofs and flashings shall be sound, tight, and not admit moisture. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

    1119-03.3.5 Decorative features: All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

    1119-03.3.6 Overhang extensions: All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

    1119-03.3.7 Chimneys and towers: All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe, sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

    1119-03.4 Stairs and railings: All interior and exterior stairs, stair landings and railings shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

    1119-03.4.1 Handrails and guardrails: Every flight of stairs which is more than four risers high shall have a handrail on at least one side of the stair, and every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony which is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails. Handrails shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) nor more than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the treads. Guardrails shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high above the floor of the landing or balcony. Every handrail and guardrail shall be firmly fastened and capable of bearing normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

    1119-03.4.2 Doors: All doors and hardware shall be maintained in good operating condition.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 67-1996, eff. Apr. 5, 1996; a. Ord. No. 59-2002, eff. March 28, 2002)