§ 35-5-208. EXTERIOR STRUCTURE.

(a)

In general. The property owner shall maintain the exterior of a structure in good repair and in a sanitary condition so that the structure does not pose a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants.

(b)

Structural members. Supporting structural members of a structure shall be:

(1)

Kept structurally sound;

(2)

Free of deterioration; and

(3)

Maintained capable of safely bearing the loads imposed upon them.

(c)

Exterior surfaces - In general. Each foundation, exterior wall, roof, and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in good repair and shall be kept in a condition to exclude rodents and other pests.

(d)

Same - Foundation walls. Foundation walls shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained free from open cracks and breaks that would be hazardous or unsafe.

(e)

Same - Exterior walls.

(1)

Each exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers, and any other conditions that might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied areas of the structure.

(2)

All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition, or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface-coated to prevent deterioration.

(f)

Same - Roofs and drainage.

(1)

The roof shall be structurally sound and may not have defects that may admit rain.

(2)

Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rainwater from causing dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure.

(g)

Same - Decorative features. All cornices, entablatures, 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.

(h)

Same - Signs, marquees and awnings. All canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar overhang extensions shall be:

(1)

Maintained in good repair, properly anchored, and kept in a safe and sound condition; and

(2)

Protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of a water-coating material such as paint or other protective treatment.

(i)

Same - Chimneys. All chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally sound, safe, and in good repair.

(j)

Same - Exposed surfaces. 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.

(k)

Same - Stairs and porches. Each exterior stair, porch, fire escape, balcony, and all appurtenances attached to them shall be:

(1)

Safe to use and capable of supporting the anticipated loads; and

(2)

Maintained in a safe and sound condition and good repair.

(l)

Same - Windows, doors, and frames. Each window, door, and frame shall be maintained in order to exclude:

(1)

Rain and rodents as completely as possible; and

(2)

Wind from entering the structure.

(m)

Same - Weathertight.

(1)

Each window and exterior door shall be fitted reasonably in its frame and be weathertight.

(2)

Each window shall be free of cracks and holes.

(n)

Same - Openable window. Each window used for ventilation or emergency escape shall be capable of being easily opened from the inside and shall be held in position by window hardware.

(o)

Same - Insect screens.

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during the period from April 1 to December 1 every door and window or other outside opening used for ventilation purposes shall be supplied with tight-fitting insect screens.

(2)

(i)

Upon the prior approval of the Code Official, screens may not be required for exterior doors or other types of operations which make screening impractical, such as openings equipped with air conditioning or openings above the fourth floor.

(ii)

The Code Official may require alternatives to screens.

(p)

Same - Door hardware.

(1)

Each exterior door and its hardware shall be maintained in good condition.

(2)

Door locks on exterior doors entering individual housing units shall be in good repair and capable of tightly securing the door.

(1988 Code, § 18-77) (Bill No. 25-01, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 76-03, § 13, 7-1-2004)