This chapter shall be known as the "Property Maintenance Code of the City of Englewood" and may be referred to in this chapter in the short form as "this code."
A. 
It is hereby found and declared that there exist in the City structures used for residential, commercial and other nonresidential uses which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment, or maintenance, and further, that such conditions, including but not limited to structural deterioration, lack of maintenance, infestation, lack of essential heating, plumbing, storage or refrigeration equipment, lack of maintenance or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities, existence of fire hazards, inadequate provisions for light and air, unsanitary conditions and overcrowding, constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare, economic values and reasonable comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the City. It is further found and declared that, by reason of lack of maintenance and progressive deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions and initiating slums, and that if the same are not curtailed and abated, the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread and will necessitate in time the expenditure of large amounts of public funds to correct and eliminate the same, and that by reason of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the growth of slums and blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of residential and nonresidential uses and neighborhoods enhanced, and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
B. 
It is further found and declared that by reason of the peculiar and special conditions existing in lodging houses and rooming houses as herein defined, the licensing and regulation of same is necessary so that the aforesaid regulations may be better enforced in the public interest for the protection of health, safety and welfare of the public, for prevention of the development of slums and blighted conditions in the City, and for the social and economic stability of the City.
C. 
It is further found and declared that the defacing of public and private property by what is commonly referred to as "graffiti" has contributed to the degradation and blight of neighborhoods within the City of Englewood and that graffiti upon public and private property constitutes a nuisance which endangers the public health, safety and welfare. Left uncontrolled such graffiti encourages additional graffiti and results in blighting conditions and a reduction in property values. It is further found and declared that the prompt removal of graffiti is the responsibility of all property owners and that in the event a property owner should fail or refuse to remove such graffiti, it is appropriate for the City of Englewood to abate such a nuisance and to charge the cost thereof as a lien against the property.
[Added 6-6-1994 by Ord. No. 94-05]
The purpose of this code is to protect the public health, safety, morals, economic values and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy of residential and nonresidential premises; to establish minimum standards governing existing structures, utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation, occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators, and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants; to require the licensing and regulation of lodging houses and rooming houses; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of residential and nonresidential premises; to fix penalties for violations of this code; to provide for the right of access across adjoining premises to permit repairs; and to provide for the repair, demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use; and finally, to provide rights and means of appeal to review decisions made in accordance with the provisions of this code. This code is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public interest and it is intended that this code be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.