§ 8-97. "External property" and "yard" areas.

(a)

Surface and subsurface drainage. The "yard" area surrounding every "dwelling" on a "premises" shall be improved and maintained so as to provide for, under normal weather conditions, the immediate diversion of water away from buildings in order to protect the "structure" from "deterioration", and proper drainage of the lot in order to prevent the accumulation of standing water, using such drainage systems as, but not limited to, on-site management systems (such as detention, retention, or similar on-site management systems that are designed according to best engineering practices), gutters, culverts, catchbasins, drain inlets, or stormwater sewers, provided that such systems shall not alter the natural flow of surface water in a manner that unduly interferes with surrounding private or public properties of others.

(b)

Fences, retaining walls, or similar structures. All fences, retaining walls or similar structures shall be firmly "anchored" in the ground and maintained in good structural repair. Where a fence, retaining wall, or similar structure has reached its "limit state" as a result of being "detached" or of "deterioration", the building inspector is authorized to issue a notice of violation per section 8-67 of this chapter and to require repair, replacement, or removal as necessary.

(c)

Paved areas. All stairs, walkways, driveways, parking spaces or similar paved areas shall be maintained in a proper state of repair, free from hazardous conditions, such as large cracks, potholes, broken and/or uneven surfaces, so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Where stairs, walkways, driveways, parking spaces, or similar paved areas have reached a condition that presents a hazardous condition, the building inspector is authorized to issue a notice of violation per section 8-67 of this chapter and to require repair, replacement, or removal as necessary.

(d)

Sanitation. All "exterior property", including "yard" areas, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, meaning free of physical hazards and the accumulation of "rubbish", "garbage", or other material which may cause a fire hazard or may act as a breeding place for vermin. Disposal of "rubbish" and "garbage" shall be done in accordance with section 8-100 of this chapter.

(e)

Weeds detrimental to health. Those plants which can directly or indirectly cause rashes, blisters, itching, or similar medical conditions, such as, but not limited to, poison ivy, poison sumac, giant hogweed, cow parsnip, wild parsnip, stinging nettle, and wood nettle, shall be controlled for public safety along "public ways", trails, and other public accesses; and along property borders when requested by adjoining landowners.

(f)

Hazardous tree removal. Every tree or any part thereof, whether located on a vacant lot or on a lot improved with a building or structure, shall be maintained in a condition that does not constitute a hazard to life or property. A violation to this provision will result in the building inspector issuing a notice of violation per section 8-67 of this chapter ordering the tree or hazardous portion thereof taken down and removed from the premises.

(g)

"Vermin" harborage. All "exterior property", including "yard" areas, shall be kept free from "vermin" harborage and "infestation". Where "vermin" harborage and "infestation" is found, proper "approved" processes, which are not injurious to human health, shall be promptly taken to remove the "vermin", either through elimination or relocation. After "pest elimination" or relocation, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent "vermin" harborage and reinfestation. See also section 8-99 of this chapter. Predators, rodents, insects, and parasites found to be associated with the keeping of domesticated chickens within the Medium-Density Residential District are addressed in section 18-149 of the Land Use Ordinance.

(h)

Corner clearance. See section 18-108 of the Land Use Ordinance.

(Code 1981, § 2.3.20; Ord. No. 18-178, § 2, 11-19-18 )