Chapter 16.30
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
Sections:
16.30.110 International Property Maintenance Code adopted – Purpose.
16.30.140 Amendments to International Property Maintenance Code.
16.30.110 International Property Maintenance Code adopted – Purpose.
That a certain document, one copy of which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the city of Longview, being marked and designated as the International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the property maintenance code of the city of Longview, in the state of Washington, for regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use, and the demolition of such existing structures as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said property maintenance code on file in the office of the city of Longview are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in LMC 16.30.140. (Ord. 3044 § 2, 2008).
16.30.140 Amendments to International Property Maintenance Code.
The following sections of the International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition, as adopted in LMC 16.30.110 are hereby amended as follows:
Section 101.1, Title, is amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Longview, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
Section 101.3, Intent, is amended to read as follows:
101.3 Intent. This code shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises. Existing structures and premises that do not comply with these provisions shall be declared a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, vacation, demolition or removal as to provide a minimum level of health, welfare and safety as required herein. This code is an exercise of the City’s police power, and it shall be liberally construed to effect this purpose.
Section 102.3, Application of other codes, is amended to read as follows:
102.3 Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, the National Electrical Code and other applicable codes as adopted by this jurisdiction. Nothing in this code shall be construed to cancel, modify or set aside any provision of LMC Title 19, Zoning Code of Longview.
Section 103.1, General, is amended to read as follows:
103.1 General. This code shall be administered by the Community Development Department and the executive official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
Sections 103.2, Appointment; 103.3, Deputies; and, 103.4, Liability, are deleted.
Section 103.5, Fees, is amended to read as follows:
103.5 Fees. The fees for activities and services performed by the department in carrying out its responsibilities under this code shall be as indicated in the following schedule.
The fees for requested site inspections of properties within the city, for compliance as set forth herein, shall be as established in Section 16.02, Table 1-A (hourly cost rates) of the Longview Municipal Code.
Section 107.2, Form, is amended to read as follows:
107.2 Form. Such notice prescribed in Section 107.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 1.33 LMC.
Section 107.3, Method of service, is amended to read as follows:
107.3 Method of service. Notice and orders shall be served in accordance with Chapter 1.33 LMC.
Section 109.6, Hearing, is amended to read as follows:
109.6 Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency measures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any affected person shall thereafter, upon petition directed to the hearings examiner, be afforded a hearing as described in this code.
Section 111.1, Application for appeal, is amended to read as follows:
111.1 Application for appeal. Any person directly affected by a decision of the code official or a notice or order issued under this code shall have the right to appeal in accordance with Chapter 1.33 LMC.
Sections 111.2, Membership of board; 111.3, Notice of meeting; 111.4, Open hearing; 111.5, Postponed hearing; 111.6, Board decision; 111.7, Court review; and 111.8, Stays of enforcement, are deleted.
Section 201.3, Terms defined in other codes, is amended to read as follows:
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the International Building Code, International Fire Code, LMC Title 19 – Zoning Code of Longview, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, the National Electrical Code or other applicable codes as adopted by this jurisdiction, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as stated in those codes.
Section 201.5, Parts, is amended to read as follows:
201.5 Parts. Whenever the words “dwelling unit,” “dwelling,” “premises,” “building,” “rooming house,” “rooming unit,” “housekeeping unit,” “story,” “structure” or “vehicle” are stated in this code, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words “or any part thereof.”
Section 202, the following definitions are hereby added or amended to read as follows:
APPROVED SURFACE. Permitted parking and/or storage spaces for all motorized or non-motorized vehicles, machinery and equipment shall be made permanently available for such purposes and be constructed using either asphaltic or Portland cement concrete, and shall be maintained and repaired or replaced if found to be in disrepair.
ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE. All premises within the city which cause the circumstance and/or condition that would reasonably attract any person and such circumstance and/or condition which may constitute a danger to the person(s). Attractive nuisances include, but are not limited to, unused or abandoned refrigerators, freezers or other such large appliances or equipment or any parts thereof; any structurally unsound or unsafe fence or building edifice; any unsecured or abandoned excavation pit, well, cistern, storage tank or shaft; any collection of scrap lumber, trash, vegetation or other similar items; or unattended machinery or equipment, unsecured, abandoned or vacant buildings, open and unattended vehicles or vehicle trunks, or other similar unguarded conditions or situations that would injure or cause injury to any person(s).
BLIGHTED AREA. As defined in Chapter 16.32 LMC.
CAR COVER. A cover that is specifically manufactured and commercially retailed for the purpose of covering a vehicle. This cover can be a cover designed for the specific vehicle or type of vehicle or may be designed for a generic vehicle. The cover must be completely opaque, conceal the vehicle entirely and be securely fastened at all times. Generic tarps are not a permitted car cover.
DIRT AND FILTH. Dirt and filth means and includes, but is not limited to, floor, sidewalk, street and other surface sweepings; discards from vacuum cleaners; soot; ashes; matter removed from gutters and downspouts; accumulations of dust, residue from fire other than soot and ashes; hair from humans and animals; and all other discarded, unused and seemingly worthless goods and commodities not otherwise described in this chapter.
DRIVEWAY. The driveway is the permitted surfaced roadway leading from the public right-of-way to a legal parking space.
GARBAGE. Waste and residue from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of food and food products including, but not limited to, discarded food wrappings and containers, paper, plastic and metal products used or intended for use in connection with the storage, sale, preparation or “clean-up” relating to food items; egg shells; used coffee grounds; used tea bags; meat trimmings; entrails of animals, poultry or fish; offal; medical wastes including bandages, syringes, medicines, plaster or other casts; and decomposed putrid material; whether such items are alone or in combination with other materials.
INOPERABLE VEHICLE. A vehicle, either motorized or non-motorized, and/or its parts which cannot be driven or operated upon the public streets for reasons including but not limited to being unlicensed, unroadworthy, wrecked, abandoned, in a state of disrepair, or if motorized, incapable of being moved at least 100 feet under its own power in both forward and reverse gears; except, vehicles specifically designed for off-road use and that are unlicenseable such as ATV’s, snowmobiles, and dirt bike motorcycles, will not have their license status used to determine operability.
JUNK. Scrapped, broken, or neglected items and materials. Junk includes items such as plastic, cloth, glass, rags, paper or metals that can be converted into usable articles or stock, or articles that have outlived their usefulness in their original form. Examples of “junk” include, but are not limited to, empty bottles and jars; empty metal, plastic or paper products; discarded engine or motor parts; automobile and truck parts of all descriptions; used tires, wheels and inner tubes; discarded batteries; cardboard; discarded and/or pre-used building materials; discarded and/or pre-used electrical and plumbing materials; broken pieces of concrete; discarded, broken, or neglected electrical, gas or hand-operated appliances; previously used packing materials; discarded, broken, or neglected household goods and furnishing; or any household item located outdoors that is designed for indoor use; as well as parts and pieces of any of the foregoing.
JUNK VEHICLES. Any vehicle meeting at least three (3) of the following requirements: (a) Is three years old or older; (b) Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: a broken window or windshield, or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission; (c) Is apparently inoperable; or (d) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
LITTER. Tangible personal property which has been unlawfully scattered and/or abandoned in a public place, typically outdoors, as a form of solid waste – material which, if thrown or deposited, creates a danger to public health, safety and welfare. Litter is further defined as either hazardous, reusable-recyclable, non-hazardous, or non-usable material. Litter includes, but is not limited to, polystyrene foam, plastics, cigarette butts, candy and gum wrappers, paper towels, food wastes, chip bags, aluminum and steel beer/soda cans, leather, rubber, clothing, textiles, wood, glass, metal, abandoned tires, vehicle parts, or other such debris that has fallen onto a public right-of-way as a result of negligent litter; litter from trash-hauling vehicles, unsecured loads, or construction sites.
PLANTING, PARKING STRIP. The area of the right-of-way between the constructed curb or edge of the roadway and the adjoining property line, exclusive of any improved sidewalk or any established pedestrian path.
PUBLICLY VISIBLE OR PUBLIC VIEW. Anything that can be seen by a person with normal vision from any sidewalk, street, alley or other public place, or from any building situated on an adjoining property.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. A nuisance consists of doing an unlawful act, or omitting to perform a duty, or permitting an action or condition to occur or exist which intrudes, annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others, is unreasonably offensive to the senses, or which interferes with or disrupts a neighbor’s or citizen’s ability to freely use or enjoy their properties or public property adjacent to where the nuisance occurs. Such nuisances include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Unsecured attractive nuisances;
B. Conditions or acts which annoy, injure, or endanger the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others;
C. Conditions or acts which are offensive to the senses;
D. Conditions or acts which interfere with, obstruct, or tend to obstruct or render dangerous for passage any stream, public park, parkway, square, sidewalk, street, or highway and other rights-of-way in the city;
E. Illicit discharges into the municipal storm drainage system;
F. Unauthorized interference with, damage to, or polluting of designated habitat areas, publicly owned restoration sites, streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands, or tributaries and similar areas thereto;
G. Conditions or acts which obstruct the free use of property so as to essentially interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property;
H. Conditions or acts which lead to blight and contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood or adjoining property;
I. The improper parking or storage of vehicles on any residential lots which impedes the use of yard areas for light, air circulation, recreation, and landscaping;
J. A violation of any City of Longview ordinance; and
K. Those acts or omissions defined in RCW 7.48.140 and 9.66.010.
PREMISES. Any building, lot, parcel, alley, real estate or land or portion of land whether improved or unimproved, including adjacent sidewalks, parking strips and street.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OR RIGHT-OF-WAY. “Right-of-way” means all real property owned or held by the city in fee, or by way of easement, or dedicated to the public and located within the city, and used or intended for use as a street, alley, sidewalk, public way or easement for public or private utilities, whether developed or undeveloped.
SCREENING/SCREENED. A permitted continuous solid fence, landscape planting of sufficient density that is not affected by seasonal change, a continuous wall, chain-link fence combined with commercially designed and manufactured fence slats rated at 90% plus sight obscuring or chain-link fence combined with commercially designed and manufactured privacy/windscreen material rated at 90% plus sight obscuring or combination thereof that is at least 6-feet in height that would effectively screen a property from public view in which it encloses. Any dead or dying portion of the hedge shall be replaced. Fencing and screening materials must be maintained in good repair or replaced if worn or damaged. All gates leading into the enclosed area must also effectively screen the property and be kept closed. Where inoperable vehicle(s) within a screened area are visible from a neighboring structure, a car cover as defined herein, or a permitted temporary structure, must be used to further screen the vehicle. A covering/barrier such as a tarp or similar material is not permitted screening.
SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLE and/or HISTORIC AUTOMOBILE. Any vehicle as defined above, at least 30 years old on the date of any attempt by Code Official, or a motor vehicle which meets any of the following definitions: (a) A make of motor vehicle which is no longer manufactured; or, (b) A make or model of motor vehicle produced in limited or token quantities; or, (c) A make or model of motor vehicle in the special interest market which has appreciated in value during the past year.
TRASH AND WASTE. Trash and waste means, but is not limited to ashes; leaves; branches and trimmings from trees, shrubs and hedges; discarded Christmas trees; excrement and undigested residue of food eliminated by humans, animals, fish and birds; lawn, yard, garden, shrub and tree trimmings; garbage, junk and filth; discarded clothing of all descriptions; decayed or decaying materials of all kinds and descriptions; and insect-infested materials of all kinds and descriptions; whether such items are alone or in combination with other materials.
UNROADWORTHY. Any vehicle shall be deemed unroadworthy if such vehicle does not have all operational and safety-related components maintained in a manner that makes it legal and safe to operate on the public streets.
VEHICLE. A vehicle includes every device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, including but not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, motorized recreational vehicles, campers, travel trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, or other similar devices capable of moving or being moved on public right-of-way, and shall also include parts of vehicles.
WATERCRAFT. A watercraft means any boat, vessel, or other craft used for navigation on or through water. (Does not include kayaks or canoes).
WEEDS. Weeds shall be defined as those plants designated as Class A, B, and C Noxious weeds by the state noxious weed control board, including but not limited to all grasses, dandelions, morning glory, uncontrolled berry bushes, and other weeds, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
YARD. Any open space on a lot or lots.
Section 302.1, Sanitation, is amended to read as follows:
302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition free of junk, garbage, trash, rubbish, filth and waste.
Section 302.3, Sidewalks and driveways, is amended to read as follows:
302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking and/or planting strips, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from encumbrances and hazardous conditions as specified, but not limited to those in Chapter 12.20 LMC.
Section 302.4, Weeds, is amended to read as follows:
302.4 Weeds, grass or vegetation. All premises and exterior property including any unimproved portion of any street or alley to the center thereof, and the portion of any improved street within the area known as the parking strip, bordering on any such lot or lots, land or lands, shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches or in a state of having gone to seed. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. All grasses in excess of 12 inches in height shall also be prohibited subject to applicable zoning requirements. Weeds shall be defined as those plants designated as Class A, B, and C Noxious weeds by the state noxious weed control board, including but not limited to all grasses, dandelions, morning glory, uncontrolled berry bushes, and other weeds, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens not in violation of Chapter 16.46 LMC.
Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with Section 106.3 and as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction 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.
Section 302.8, Motor Vehicles, is amended to read as follows:
302.8 Motor vehicles/vehicles/watercraft. Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle, vehicle, watercraft or parts thereof shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle or watercraft 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. Such vehicles shall be declared to be public nuisances which shall be abated and removed as specified in this code; provided that this section shall not apply to the following:
1. A vehicle or part thereof that is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed auto wrecker or licensed vehicle dealer and is fenced according to the provisions of RCW 46.80.130;
2. Any historic automobile, special interest vehicle or inoperable vehicle that is in the process of being restored; provided that all such vehicles and parts thereof which are not licensed or not operable shall be stored or parked within a building in a lawful manner where they are not publicly visible; or properly “screened” from public view and parked or stored on an approved surface outside of required property setbacks; or
3. A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes or is “screened” where it is not publicly visible. This work shall be performed in compliance with Section 302.12 and in accordance with applicable zoning regulations.
Section 302.10, Vehicles and/or machinery parts, is added to read as follows:
302.10 Vehicles and/or machinery parts. Except where permitted and licensed as a wrecking yard, all premises within the city shall be maintained free of the existence and maintenance of a storage area, junkyard or dumping ground for the wrecking or dismantling of automobiles, trucks, trailers, house trailers, boats, tractors or other vehicles or machinery of any kind, or for the storing or leaving of worn out, wrecked, inoperative or abandoned automobiles, trucks, trailers, house trailers, boats, tractors or other vehicles or machinery of any kind or of any major parts thereof.
Section 302.11, Vehicle parking/storage, is added to read as follows:
302.11 Vehicle parking/storage. Limitations on the parking of vehicles, boats, trailers, commercial and heavy commercial equipment.
302.11.1 Vehicles. Motor vehicles, or other vehicles not covered in this section, shall be parked or stored on an approved parking surface, shall not be parked in the required property setbacks and shall be in conformance with Chapter 19.78 LMC.
302.11.2 Recreational vehicles, boats, trailers. Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers shall be parked or stored on an approved parking surface, shall not be parked or stored in required property setbacks and shall be in conformance with Chapter 19.78 LMC.
302.11.3 Machinery and equipment. Machinery and equipment shall be parked, kept or stored on an approved parking surface, shall not be parked or stored in required property setbacks and shall be in conformance with Chapter 19.78 LMC.
302.11.4 Truck tractors, semi-trailers and commercial equipment. Truck tractors, as defined in RCW 46.04.655, and semi-trailers, as defined in RCW 46.04.530, or commercial equipment, shall not be parked or stored in residentially zoned areas, on residential property in other zones, or on sites that have not been permitted, improved and approved for such use. This requirement shall not apply to the parking or storage of agricultural machinery on residential premises to be used for agricultural use allowed by Chapter 19.20 LMC or when equipment is used in conjunction with a permitted or allowed project. These vehicles shall be parked or stored on an approved surface outside of required property setbacks.
Section 302.12, Vehicle and equipment repair on residential premises, is added to read as follows:
302.12 Vehicle and equipment repair on residential premises. Servicing, repairing, assembling, modifying, restoring, or otherwise working on any vehicle on any residential premises shall be subject to the following:
302.12.1 Work shall be limited to the repair and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, or other conveyance currently registered as specified in the Washington Vehicle Code to the occupant or a member of the occupant’s family.
302.12.2 Work is limited to the approved parking surface or garage or approved accessory structure; at no time can repairs be made on the lawn, sidewalk, planting strip or the street.
302.12.3 Only minor repairs such as an oil change, tire repair, small parts change, or minor routine maintenance may be performed outside of a garage or approved accessory structure and only then on an approved parking surface. The associated vehicle(s) in which such minor repairs exceed seven (7) days shall be moved inside of a building that meets applicable code and zoning requirements or be properly “screened” from public view and parked on an approved surface outside of property setbacks.
302.12.4 Work which creates a nuisance shall not be permitted.
Section 302.13, Dangerous fences and structures, is added to read as follows:
302.13 Dangerous fences and structures. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any fence or other structure which is in a sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed or other dilapidated or unsafe condition.
Section 302.14, Dangerous trees, is added to read as follows:
302.14 Dangerous trees. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any dead, diseased, infested or dying tree that constitutes a danger to street trees, streets, alleys or sidewalks.
Section 302.15, Obscured public facilities, is added to read as follows:
302.15 Obscured public facilities. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any object blocking, vine or climbing plants growing into, onto or over any street, tree growing within a public right-of-way or any public hydrant, utility meter, pole, street light, utility device, street sign or public facility or device; or the existence of any uncontrolled, uncultivated or untended shrub, vine or plant growing on, around or nearby any hydrant, standpipe, sprinkler system connection or any other appliance or facility provided for fire protection purposes in such a way as to obscure the view thereof or impair the access thereto.
302.15.1 Overhanging trees and shrubs. Every property owner having any tree or shrub overhanging any street, alley or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not interfere with the unobstructed use of the street, alley, sidewalk or right-of-way or obstruct the view of any street intersection. Trees and shrubs overhanging the street and alley shall be pruned to allow a minimum 14-foot clearance above the entire surface of the street or alley. Trees and shrubs overhanging the sidewalk and/or right-of-way shall be pruned to allow a minimum 8-foot clearance above the entire sidewalk surface and/or right-of-way to the adjoining property line. No person shall, without a written permit of the superintendent of the park department or city manager, cut, prune, rake, climb, injure or remove any living tree in any public right-of-way, park, planting/parking strip or other public place in the city in accordance with LMC 10.32.
Section 302.16, Privies, vaults, cesspools, etc., is added to read as follows:
302.16 Privies, vaults, cesspools, etc. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any privies, vaults, cesspools, sumps, pits, trenches or like places which create a dangerous condition or are not securely protected from flies and rats, or which are foul or malodorous.
Section 302.17, Hedges, is added to read as follows:
302.17 Hedges. The existence on any real property within the city of a hedge in violation of Chapter 16.46 LMC is a public nuisance.
Section 302.18, Fences, is added to read as follows:
302.18 Fences. The existence on any real property within the city of a fence in violation of Chapter 16.48 LMC is a public nuisance.
Section 302.19, Outdoor wood storage, is added to read as follows:
302.19 Outdoor wood storage. Outdoor wood and firewood shall be neatly stacked not to exceed six (6) feet in height, shall be adequately supported so as not to pose a hazard to person or property, and shall not be placed in any setback or other restricted area on the property in which it is being stored.
Section 302.20, Attractive nuisance, is added to read as follows:
302.20 Attractive nuisance. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any accessible attractive nuisance.
Section 302.21, Accumulation of dangerous materials, is added to read as follows:
302.21 Accumulation of dangerous materials. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of the existence of any accumulation of materials, substances or objects in a location when the same endangers property, health, safety or constitutes a fire hazard.
Section 302.22, Open storage of materials and furnishings, is added to read as follows:
302.22 Open storage of materials and furnishings. No person shall openly store or keep any equipment, materials or furnishings; or any item that creates an unsightly condition or one that promotes urban blight or public nuisance. This may include, but is not limited to, indoor furniture, household appliances, auto parts, shopping carts or building materials.
Exception: Building materials neatly stacked and stored for no less than sixty (60) days for a construction project permitted with the city. The material must be weather protected, shall not be placed within property setbacks or placed in such a manner that would create a danger to property, health and/or safety.
Section 302.23, Nuisance premises, is added to read as follows:
302.23 Nuisance premises. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of any structure allowing or maintaining prostitution, or where there is the use, sale, manufacturing or distributing of any illegal narcotics or controlled substance, or at which there is a pattern of criminal activity.
Section 302.24, Alley/Public right-of-way maintenance, is added to read as follows:
302.24 Alley/Public right-of-way maintenance. The owner, lessee, occupant or agent thereof, or any person having the care or charge of any property that has alley access or an alley right-of-way easement, shall be responsible for maintaining that portion of the alley that fronts said property up to and including one-half of the apparent alley centerline, and shall keep said alley or alley easement maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health, safety or welfare. Public right-of-way maintenance shall also include utility easements or parking and/or planting strips. Such blighting problems shall include, but are not limited to: overgrown trees, shrubs, vegetation, weeds and/or grasses; garbage; junk; rubbish; dirt and filth; litter; trash; and waste. This definition shall also include, but not be limited to, such items as couches, loveseats, chairs, mattresses, and other similar household furniture. Such items, if placed in any city alleyway or alley easement, shall be considered a public nuisance and abated within the time established by the city in accordance with Section 106.
Section 302.25, Garage sales, is added to read as follows:
302.25 Garage sales. Sales of secondhand merchandise, conducted from residences, and designated as “garage sales,” “estate sales,” “yard sales,” and/or “moving sales” are allowed without a permit provided they are conducted under the following requirements:
(a) Shall be in conformance with LMC 5.05.110(22), LMC 10.40.060, LMC 11.40.070, Chapter 12.04 LMC, and Chapter 16.13 LMC;
(b) Shall be in conformance with LMC 16.13.030 §1404;
(c) Garage sale displays, signs and merchandise must be removed after/between sales events.
Section 303.1, Swimming pools, is amended to read as follows:
303.1 Swimming pools, spas, and ponds. Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and/or ponds shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition in good repair and shall comply with the provisions of the International Residential Code, Appendix G. Except for regulated wetlands and City-approved structures related to storm drainage systems, all premises within the city shall be maintained free of the existence of all stagnant, pooled water in which mosquitoes, flies or other insects may multiply.
Section 303.2, Enclosures, is amended to read as follows:
303.2 Enclosures. See the International Residential Code, Appendix G, Section AG105, Barrier Requirements.
Section 304.2, Protective treatment, is amended to read as follows:
304.2 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. 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 water tight. Tarp use for weather protection may not exceed 30 days. 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. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.
Section 304.3, Premises identification, is amended to read as follows:
304.3 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, and at the rear of the property if there is an improved alley. Additionally, structures not fronting a public street or an alley shall also have approved numbers placed at the front and back of the building so as to be plainly visible from points as determined by the city building official. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 5 inches (127 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch and shall not be sight obscured.
Section 304.7, Roofs and drainage, is amended to read as follows:
304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Tarp use for weather protection may not exceed 30 days. 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.
Section 304.14, Insect screens, is deleted.
Section 307.1, Accumulation of rubbish or garbage, is amended to read as follows:
307.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish, junk, trash, filth, waste or garbage.
Section 307.2, Disposal of rubbish, is amended to read as follows:
307.2 Disposal of rubbish. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish, junk, trash, filth, waste or garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish, junk, trash, filth, waste or garbage in approved containers as provided for in Chapter 7.12 LMC, or by taking it to an approved disposal facility.
307.2.1 Rubbish/garbage storage facilities. The owner of every occupied premises shall maintain approved covered containers for rubbish, junk, trash, filth, waste or garbage, and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish, junk, trash, filth, waste or garbage from the premises.
307.2.2 Dangerous and/or discarded appliances. Except when stored within a building, as defined in Section R202 of the International Residential Code, refrigerators, household appliances, and similar equipment shall not be discarded, abandoned or stored on any premises within the City.
Section 307.3, Disposal of garbage, is amended to read as follows:
307.3 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 container as provided for in Chapter 7.12 LMC or by taking it to an approved disposal facility.
307.3.1 Containers. The operator of every establishment producing garbage shall maintain, and at all times cause to be utilized, approved containers as set forth in Chapter 7.12 LMC.
307.3.2 Undumped garbage or rubbish containers. All premises within the city shall be maintained free of the existence of any garbage or rubbish containers or any can, bag, box or other device, which is filled to 50 percent or more of its capacity with garbage, trash, rubbish, waste, dirt or filth, and which has remained upon such premises for more than 14 successive days.
Section 307.4, Containers – within the public right-of-way, is added to read as follows:
307.4 Containers – within the public right-of-way. No residential or commercial solid waste or recycling cart shall be placed along a public street, alley or right-of-way, on a public sidewalk, or on other public property any sooner than 24 hours before the time of collection. All residential and commercial solid waste and recycling carts placed in the public right-of-way for collection shall be removed from those public areas within 24 hours of the time of collection, except when such established day for collection falls on a designated holiday in which case collection will be conducted on the next succeeding workday, and the containers shall be removed and replaced to their appropriate storage location by the morning following collection.
Section 307.5, Rubbish and garbage exceptions, is added to read as follows:
307.5 Rubbish and garbage exceptions. The following shall not be a violation of this section.
A. Compost piles less than four feet in height and six feet in diameter at ground level, and 30 feet or more from any dwelling, and four feet or more from adjoining properties.
B. Storm debris within 30 days following a storm event.
C. Construction residue and debris during and for 14 days following completion of work.
D. Fallen leaves, tree needles, tree fruit and similar vegetation, during the months of October through April, inclusive.
E. The accumulation and temporary storage, in containers designated for such purposes, of “recyclable” materials pursuant to a program of recycling adopted by the city; provided, however, that such containers must not be publicly visible or they must be made available to the city’s garbage or “recycle contractor” within 14 days after having been filled to 50 percent or more of their capacity.
F. Uncultivated, uncut or untended weeds, grass, bushes or other vegetation not constituting a health or fire hazard, existing in a natural state on undeveloped, agricultural, industrially zoned, “open space” or “green belt” areas.
Section 505.1, General, is amended to read as follows:
505.1 General. Every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be properly connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system. All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers shall be supplied with hot or tempered and cold running water in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Section 507.1, General, is amended to read as follows:
507.1 General. Drainage of roofs and paved areas, yards and courts, and other open areas on the premises shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
A. It is a Class I Civil Infraction for any person to break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure or facility which is part of the stormwater runoff and erosion control system.
B. It is a Class I Civil Infraction for any person who is responsible to do so, to fail to maintain stormwater runoff and/or erosion control facilities and structures as required by this chapter and by the Guidelines. Each calendar day that a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense. In addition, the City may institute injunctive, mandamus, or other appropriate action or proceedings for the enforcement of this chapter.
Section 602.2, Residential occupancies, is amended to read as follows:
602.2 Residential occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68° F (20° C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.
Section 602.3, Heat supply, is amended to read as follows:
602.3 Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 68° F (20° C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
Exceptions: When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in LMC 16.02.030.
Section 602.4, Occupiable work spaces, is amended to read as follows:
602.4 Occupiable work spaces. Indoor occupiable work spaces shall be supplied with heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 65 °F (18° C) during the period the spaces are occupied.
Section 604.2, Service, is amended to read as follows:
604.2 Service. The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Dwelling units shall be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, single phase electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes.
Section 606.1, General, is amended to read as follows:
606.1 General. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained in compliance with ASME A17.1 and the L&I Elevator rules. The most current certification of inspection shall be on display at all times within the elevator or attached to the escalator or dumbwaiter, or the certificate shall be available for public inspection in the office of the building operator. The inspection and tests shall be performed at not less than the periodical intervals listed in ASME A17.1, Appendix N, except where otherwise specified by the authority having jurisdiction.
Section 702.3, Locked doors, is amended to read as follows:
702.3 Locked doors. All means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except where the door hardware conforms to that permitted by the Uniform Building Code.
Section 704.2, Smoke alarms, is amended to read as follows:
704.2 Smoke alarms. Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and in dwellings not regulated in Group R occupancies, regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations…
Section 704.4, Interconnection, is amended to read as follows:
704.4 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in Group R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and in dwellings not regulated as Group R occupancies, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
(Ord. 3122 § 4, 2010; Ord. 3087 §§ 1 – 5, 2009; Ord. 3044 § 2, 2008).
16.30.170 Severability.
If any one or more section, subsections or sentences of this chapter are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this chapter and the same shall remain in full force and effect. (Ord. 3044 § 2, 2008).