Minimum Maintenance Standards

A vacant building shall be considered adequately maintained if:

  • Doors, windows, and other openings are weather-tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin, and trespassers, and missing or broken doors, windows, and other openings are covered with 1/2 inch CDX plywood that is weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening, and secured
  • The roof, gutters and flashing are sound and tight, will not admit moisture, vermin, or birds, and are drained to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior and in a manner that does not create a public nuisance
  • The interior and exterior is maintained in good repair, structurally sound, free from debris, rubbish, yard waste, and garbage, and sanitary so as not to threaten public health or safety
  • The structural members are free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads
  • The foundation walls are free from open cracks and breaks, and vermin-proof
  • The exterior walls are free of holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint
  • All balconies, decks, stairways, cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features are safe, anchored, and in good repair, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint
  • Sidewalks, stairways, and driveways are free from hazardous conditions and safe for pedestrian travel
  • Accessory and appurtenant structures such as garages, sheds, and fences are free from safety, health, and fire hazards
  • The property on which a structure is located must be safe and clean from junk, debris, trash, rodents, weeds, tall grass and pests. It shall be kept sanitary so that it does not threaten the public's health or safety in any way
  • Graffiti shall be removed as soon as possible and within 7 days of notification of the defacement