Sec. 39-6. Building and structure exteriors.
A. Exterior surfaces. All exposed exterior surfaces, windows and doors shall be maintained so as to be free of deterioration that is a threat to health and safety, impervious to moisture and weather elements, or shall not otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. Windows, doors, locks on doors, and hinges must be present and installed properly. These items must be free from deterioration or blighting conditions. Any temporary securement of vacant structures must be done in accordance with City specifications.
Examples of such deterioration and blight include but are not limited to:
1. Improperly anchored canopies, metal awnings, stairways, exhaust ducts, and overhead extensions;
2. Chimneys that are structurally unsafe;
3. Exterior windows and doors that are not fitted securely in their frames and are not substantially weathertight or have inoperable locks;
4. Paint that is deteriorated, indicated by peeling, flaking, cracked, blistering or mildew, resulting in exposed, bare unprotected surfaces;
5. Window screening, if present, shall be maintained in good condition;
6. Boarded window or door openings on an occupied structure;
7. Secured window or door openings on an unoccupied structure for more than 90 days requires polycarbonate material securement specifications on all openings visible from the street.
B. Fences, screen walls, and retaining walls. All fences, screen walls, and retaining walls on the premises shall be safe, structurally sound and uniform or compatible in color and structure; they shall be maintained so that they do not constitute a hazard, blight or condition of disrepair. Examples of hazards, blight or conditions of disrepair include but are not limited to, leaning fences or walls, fences or walls that are missing slats or blocks, that exhibit rot, damage, graffiti, peeling paint, or deterioration of paint or materials.
C. Exterior insect, rodent and animal control. All premises shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation and other noxious pests. This provision shall not require action to disturb the natural or cultivated activity of bees, rabbits, or other insects and animals where such activity is not a danger or nuisance to any resident or residents of the area, and where other applicable legal requirements are met.
D. Drainage. All premises shall be maintained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water when such water causes a hazardous or unhealthy condition, becomes a breeding area for insects, or which is causing soil erosion or damage to foundation walls. This does not apply to City-approved retention basins or other similar conditions. This exemption is not operable when actual and probable danger exists due to neglect.
E. Foundations, walls and roofs. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in structurally sound and weathertight condition. The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points and shall also be free from deterioration.
1. Foundation. The building foundation shall be maintained in a safe condition and be capable of supporting the load which normal use may place thereon.
2. Exterior walls. The exterior walls shall be substantially weathertight, weatherproof, free from dry rot and mildew, and shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair so as to prevent infestation. All exterior surfaces, other than decay-resistant materials, shall be protected from the elements by painting or other protective covering according to manufacturer’s specifications. No lead-based paint shall be used on any surface of any structure.
3. Roofs. Roofs shall be maintained in a safe condition and have no defects which might admit rain or cause dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roofs shall be free from conditions that contribute to the deterioration of the structure or otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance.
4. Coolers and their apparatus. Coolers and their mounting apparatus shall be maintained in a condition free from excessive accumulation of scale, rust, corrosion or mineral deposits. Cooler stands or mounts shall be structurally sound. Unused, deteriorating and unattached evaporative coolers are to be removed from the structure.
F. Outdoor stairs, porches, railings. All outdoor stairs, porches, and hand railings shall be adequate for safety. Every stair and porch shall be maintained so as to be safe and in structurally sound condition. The support for railings, stairs, and porches shall be structurally sound and adequate. Every stairway, stair, porch and any appendage thereto shall be maintained in safe condition and capable of supporting a load that normal use may place thereon. Required protective railing shall be located in the manner prescribed by the City of Phoenix Construction Code. Such handrails (or protective railings) shall be maintained in good condition and be capable of bearing normally imposed loads.
G. Approved address numbers shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a manner as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. (Ord. No. G-3859, § 3; Ord. No. G-4266, § 4, 2000; Ord. No. G-4698, § 1, 2005; Ord. No. G-5353, § 3, 2009; Ord. No. G-6008, 2015)