§ 285-5. Maintenance of the exterior of structures.

A. 

General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants and so as to protect the occupants from the environment.

B. 

Structural members. All supporting structural members of all structures shall be kept structurally sound, free of deterioration and maintained capable of safely bearing the dead and live loads imposed upon them.

C. 

Exterior surfaces (foundations, walls and roof). Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a workmanlike state of maintenance and repair and shall be kept in such condition as to exclude rats.

D. 

Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained so as to carry the safe design and operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks so as not to be detrimental to public safety and welfare.

E. 

Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the building. All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface-coated when required to prevent deterioration.

F. 

Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound and tight and shall not have defects which might admit rain, and roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rainwater from causing dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building.

G. 

Chimneys. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe, sound and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint, or similar surface treatment where necessary.

H. 

Stairs and porches. Every stair, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which they are subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.