[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of
Rothschild 2-25-2002 (Sec. 9.09 of the 1967 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to recognize and protect the
private and public benefits resulting from safe, sanitary and attractive
residential and nonresidential buildings, structures, yards and vacant
areas. Attractive and well-maintained properties enhance neighborhoods
and the Village and provide a suitable environment for increasing
physical and monetary values.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or controlling a house
or other building or premises, including vacant areas, to improve
and maintain all properties under his or her control.
A.
The exterior appearance of all buildings shall reflect a level of
maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood. No
building shall have the appearance of progressive deterioration, which
would lead to the downgrading of the neighborhood. The exterior of
premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances,
unsanitary conditions and any hazards to the safety of occupants,
pedestrians and the persons utilizing the premises. Such hazards include,
but are not limited to, brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots,
obnoxious growth, garbage, trash and refuse. Any of the foregoing
shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner or operator.
(1)
Siding not commonly intended or customarily used in a natural or
exposed state shall be painted or sealed to prevent deterioration.
(2)
Every building shall have adequate refuse, garbage or rubbish storage.
No occupant shall accumulate rubbish, boxes, lumber, metal refuse
or other materials that will be an eyesore to the neighborhood.
B.
Lawn areas.
(1)
Lawn areas, where provided, shall not be allowed to deteriorate to
such conditions as to be a seriously blighting influence on the neighborhood
or the Village in general. The growth of grass or weeds in excess
of six inches in height or the maintenance of the property with a
lack of vegetation, which renders the yard areas unsightly and results
in the diminution of the appearance of the property as compared with
adjacent properties, shall be considered a violation.
(2)
Where lawn areas are not provided or have been removed, such areas
shall be landscaped with garden beds or other ground cover so as not
to be a public nuisance or a serious blighting influence.
C.
Every yard, court, driveway or other portion of the lot shall be
graded or drained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water
on any such surface. Driveways and sidewalks shall be maintained and
kept in good condition.
Firewood is permitted to be stored tightly in the rear yard
of a property. Firewood shall be stored in an unobtrusive area and
shall not be used as a fence or screening device.
All accessory structures shall be maintained in good repair
and in a clean and sanitary condition. All natural siding shall be
painted or sealed to prevent deterioration.
Compost piles or yard waste holding bins shall be permitted,
provided that they are located in the rear yard and at least 10 feet
or more from a habitable structure, and provided that they are maintained
in a manner that does not produce an odor or nuisance or provide a
rodent harborage.
[Amended 12-11-2017]
A.
Order to correct conditions. Whenever the Village, its agents or
employees shall, upon inspection of any premises within the Village,
find that the conditions of the premises are in violation of this
Chapter, an order shall be issued to the owner and/or occupant of
the premises to correct said conditions. If the Village agent or employee
determines that access to the property is necessary for the inspection
and is refused entry, he or she may then obtain a special inspection
warrant pursuant to § 66.0119, Wis. Stats., in order to
conduct such inspection.
B.
Causing work to be done. Upon failure to comply with an order, where
there is proof of service of said order, which required any building,
premises, structure or property to be cleaned or repaired or condition
abated or improved in accordance with this Chapter, the Village shall
cause such cleaning, repair, improvement, abatement or removal of
the offending substance or structure. Such cleaning, repair, improvement,
abatement or removal shall be deemed a special benefit to such premises,
and the cost for the same shall be charged against the owner or owners
of the property. If the cost of the same is not paid within 60 days,
it shall be levied as a special charge against the premises pursuant
to § 66.0627, Wis. Stats.
