Section 20.05.130 Applicability to existing dwellings and dwelling units.

1. All existing building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems in all dwellings and dwelling units which were constructed and installed in compliance with the codes in effect at the time of construction may remain in place until such time as they are found to render the dwelling or dwelling unit unsafe for any one of the following reasons:

a. The existing work has been damaged by fire, flood, wind, structural collapse, or any other catastrophic event, to such an extent that it has been made unsafe.

b. The existing work has deteriorated due to age, lack of maintenance, weathering, or any other cause, to such an extent that it has been made unsafe.

2. Every foundation, roof, floor, exterior and interior wall, ceiling, inside and outside stair, every porch, and deck must be safe to use and must be maintained in sound condition and good repair. Every inside and outside stair or step must have reasonably uniform risers and uniform treads. Reasonably uniform is defined as a variation of no more than 3/8” .

3. Every foundation, roof and exterior wall, door, skylight and window must be reasonably weathertight, watertight, damp-free, and must be kept in sound condition and good repair. All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, must be protected from the elements and decay by paint, stain, or other protective covering or treatment.

4. The earth and yard surrounding every dwelling and dwelling unit must be properly graded to drain water away from the building. Every yard must be maintained free of standing water and in a clean, sanitary and safe condition.

5. Unless other provisions are made, gutters, leaders, and downspouts must be provided and maintained in good working condition on all dwellings.

6. Every window, exterior door and hatchway or similar device must be so constructed to exclude insects during that portion of the year when there is a need for protection against mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects. Every doorway used for ventilation and opening directly from a dwelling to outside space must be provided with properly fitting screens. Every window required for ventilation must be provided with properly fitting screens.

7. Every dwelling and dwelling unit, accessory structure and premises on which they are located must be maintained in a rat-free condition.

8. All fences must be maintained in good condition. The permissible height and other characteristics of all fences must conform to the appropriate statutes, ordinances, and regulations of the city.

9. All accessory structures located on the premises of a dwelling must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair.

10. Every plumbing fixture and all water and waste pipes must be properly installed and maintained in good sanitary working condition.

11. Every water closet compartment, bathroom and kitchen floor surface must be constructed and maintained to be reasonably impervious to water and to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

12. Every piece of equipment, or fixture which is present in a dwelling and which is required by this code, must be constructed and installed in conformance with the appropriate ordinances and regulations of the city and state.

13. No landlord may cause any service, equipment, utility or fixture which is required under by this code to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued for any rental dwelling while occupied by a tenant. This prohibition does not apply to temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in progress, or during temporary emergencies when discontinuance of service is required by the city or electric and gas utility.

14. All areas and parts of the premises upon which any dwelling is located must be maintained and kept in a reasonable and proper manner. This requires the cutting of grass and weeds; removal of dead trees and brush; removal of abandoned and junked automobiles, automobile bodies, chassis and parts from the removal of inoperable machines and appliances; lumber piles and building materials not being used in actual construction; tin cans, broken glass, broken furniture, boxes, crates and all other debris, rubbish, junk and garbage.

15. Every landlord of a dwelling or property upon which an abandoned well or cistern is located, must, upon notice from the inspection services division, close and fill them in a proper manner. This does not apply to wells and cisterns which are sealed in a proper manner such that entrance can be had only through the use of proper tools. (Ord. 2001-0563)