City of Watertown, WI General Requirements

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds, grasses or plant growth exceeding eight inches in height and all brush exceeding one foot in height, pursuant to § 446-23 of the City's Code. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited, pursuant to § 446-23 of the City's Code.

Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, he shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with §§ 424-6C and 446-25 as prescribed by the City's Code. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the City or private contractor hired by the City shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property, pursuant to Chapter 76, Article III, of the City's Code.

Rodent harborage. All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent reinfestation.

Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant.

Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.

Motor vehicles. Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth. Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including bodywork, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.

Defacement of property.

No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface of any structure or building on any private or public property by placing thereon any marking, carving or graffiti.

In the event such damage, mutilation, or defacement does occur on the premises, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to restore said surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.

§ 424-17 Exterior structure.

General. The 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.

Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced, under § 424-8, to comply with the International Building Code as required for existing buildings:

The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength;

The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects;

(c)

Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state;

(d)

Siding and masonry joints including joints between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights are not maintained weather-resistant or watertight;

(e)

Structural members that have evidence of deterioration or that are not capable of safely supporting all nominal loads and load effects;

(f)

Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings, are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(g)

Exterior walls that are not anchored to supporting and supported elements or are not plumb and free of holes, cracks or breaks and loose or rotting materials, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(h)

Roofing or roofing components that have defects that admit rain, roof surfaces with inadequate drainage, or any portion of the roof framing that is not in good repair with signs of deterioration, fatigue or without proper anchorage and incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(i)

Flooring and flooring components with defects that affect serviceability or flooring components that show signs of deterioration or fatigue, are not properly anchored or are incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(j)

Veneer, cornices, belt courses, corbels, trim, wall facings and similar decorative features not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(k)

Overhang extensions or projections, including, but not limited to, trash chutes, canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(l)

Exterior stairs, decks, porches, balconies and all similar appurtenances attached thereto, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; or

(m)

Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks and similar appurtenances not structurally sound or not properly anchored, or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.

Exceptions:

When the safety or suitability of the condition is substantiated otherwise to the code official by an approved method.

Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted when approved by the code official.

Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences, shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints, as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights, shall be maintained weather-resistant and watertight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion, and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.

Premises identification. Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of four inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).

Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.

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 rodents and other pests.

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

Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

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.

Overhang extensions. All overhang extensions, including but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, 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.

Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and 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.

Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weathertight.

Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.

Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.

(3)

Within the Central Business (CB) District all loose and damaged window panes, sashes, frames, trim and/or jambs must be repaired to sound condition, good repair and weathertight within 60 calendar days. Boarding of loose and damaged window panes, sashes, frames, trim and/or jambs does not constitute repair.

[Added 8-19-2015 by Ord. No. 15-30]

Insect screens. During the period from June 1 to October 15, every door, window and other outside opening required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25 mm), and every screen door used for insect control shall meet the standard for the International Building Code as required for existing buildings.[1]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

§ 424-18 Interior structures.

General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Occupants shall keep that part of the structure which they occupy or control in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a rooming unit, housekeeping units, a hotel, a dormitory, two or more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupancies shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.

Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the International Building Code as required for existing buildings:

The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength;

The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects;

(c)

Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state;

(d)

Structural members are incapable of supporting nominal loads and load effects;

(e)

Stairs, landings, balconies and all similar walking surfaces, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects;

(f)

Exceptions:

When the safety or suitability of the interior structure is substantiated otherwise to the code official by an approved method.

Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted when approved by the code official.

Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound and be capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Interior surfaces. All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed or covered. Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.

Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, landing, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

Interior doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably well within its frame and shall be capable of being opened and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs, headers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware.

§ 424-19 Component serviceability.

General. The components of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition.

Unsafe conditions. Where any of the following conditions cause the component or system to be beyond its limit state, the component or system shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the International Building Code as required for existing buildings.

Soils that have been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Collapse of footing or foundation system;

Damage to footing, foundation, concrete or other structural element due to soil expansion;

Adverse effects to the design strength of footing, foundation, concrete or other structural element due to a chemical reaction from the soil;

Inadequate soil as determined by a geotechnical investigation;

Where the allowable bearing capacity of the soil is in doubt; or

Adverse effects to the footing, foundation, concrete or other structural element due to the groundwater table.

Concrete that has been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Deterioration;

Ultimate deformation;

Fractures;

Fissures;

Spalling;

Exposed reinforcement; or

Detached, dislodged or failing connections.

(c)

Aluminum that has been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Deterioration;

Corrosion;

Elastic deformation;

Ultimate deformation;

Stress or strain cracks;

Joint fatigue; or

Detached, dislodged or failing connections.

(d)

Masonry that has been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Deterioration;

Ultimate deformation;

Fractures in masonry or mortar joints;

Fissures in masonry or mortar joints;

Spalling;

Exposed reinforcement; or

Detached, dislodged or failing connections.

(e)

Steel that has been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Deterioration;

Elastic deformation;

Ultimate deformation;

Metal fatigue; or

Detached, dislodged or failing connections.

(f)

Wood that has been subjected to any of the following conditions:

Ultimate deformation;

Deterioration;

Damage from insects, rodents and other vermin;

Fire damage beyond charring;

Significant splits and checks;

Horizontal shear cracks;

Vertical shear cracks;

[8]

Inadequate support;

[9]

Detached, dislodged or failing connections; or

[10]

Excessive cutting and notching.

Exceptions:

When the safety or suitability of the components or equipment in the structure is substantiated otherwise to the code official by an approved method.

Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted when approved by the code official.

§ 424-20 Handrails and guardrails.

General. Every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than three risers shall have a handrail on one side of the stair, and every open portion of a stair, landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface which is more than 24 inches (610 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) high or more than 42 inches (1,067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces. Guards shall not be less than 42 inches (1,067 mm) high above the floor of the landing, balcony, porch, deck or ramp or other walking surface.

Exception. Guards shall not be required where exempted by the adopted Building Code.

§ 424-21 Rubbish and garbage.

Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Disposal of rubbish. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in approved containers.

Rubbish storage facilities. The owner of every occupied premises shall supply approved covered containers for rubbish, and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish.

Refrigerators. Refrigerators and similar equipment not in operation shall not be discarded, abandoned or stored on premises without first removing the doors.

Disposal of garbage. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage in an approved garbage disposal facility or approved garbage containers.

Garbage facilities. The owner of every dwelling unit in a commercial building or structure shall supply each of the following: an approved leakproof, covered, outside recycling disposal container for each dwelling unit and an approved leakproof, covered, outside garbage container for each dwelling unit.