§ 5-217. Minimum standards.

[The minimum standards for the maintenance of commercial properties are as follows:]

(1)

All buildings shall present a neat and fresh appearance and be free of all peeling paint, mildew, rust, graffiti, dirt, and deteriorated or mismatched roofing material.

(2)

All parts of any building and/or structure shall be structurally sound. Rotten or weakened sections shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.

(3)

Nonfunctional elements on any building, structure, or premises, such as unused sign poles, brackets, empty electrical conduit, etc., shall be removed and the remaining surface shall, if damaged, be repaired or rebuilt to match adjacent surfaces and the original condition. All loose wires and/or conduits shall be secured.

(4)

Broken or missing windows shall be repaired, replaced, or properly abandoned. All windows must fit tightly and have sashes of proper size and design. Abandonment of window openings shall be accomplished by using the same material as the adjacent surface.

(5)

Awnings that are torn, badly faded, frayed, or structurally compromised shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.

(6)

All roofs, gutters, and downspouts shall be maintained to prevent damage to the structure and adjoining properties.

(7)

All retaining walls, seawalls, nonstructural walls, dumpster enclosures, fences, lighting devices and supports, outdoor service and seating areas, and signs and their supporting elements shall be structurally sound and kept free of graffiti, overgrowth, trash and debris, and shall be maintained to present a painted, rust-free, neat and fresh appearance.

(8)

All parking areas and vacant lots shall be kept free of overgrowth, weeds, trash and debris. Potholes and broken pavement shall be repaired. Paving and striping shall be maintained to a neat and clean condition with a fresh appearance. All dead tree limbs and dead trees shall be removed from parking areas and vacant lots.

(9)

Landscaping shall be kept in a neat and well-maintained condition. Tree branches shall be maintained at a minimum distance of three (3) feet from building roofs and walls. Plant growth, such as shrubs, bushes, and palm trees, shall be maintained at a minimum distance of twelve (12) inches from building walls.

(Ord. No. 97-22, § 1, 12-9-97; Ord. No. 08-22, § 1, 9-23-08)