§ 23. Structural Requirements, Exterior and Interior.

Every foundation, exterior and interior wall, appurtenances, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a state of workmanlike maintenance and repair and shall be substantially free from decay and deterioration, weathertight, watertight, safe, sanitary and rodent proof.

(a)

Foundation. The foundation elements shall be capable of supporting the building and any load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon and shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair.

(b)

Exterior Walls. Exterior walls shall be substantially free of holes, breaks, splits or loose or decayed boards or members, and of any other defects which allow penetration of moisture or other elements of weather to the interior portions of the walls or to the habitable areas of the building, and shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair.

(c)

Roofs. Roofs shall be structurally sound and tight; shall have no defects which admit moisture or cause dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building; and shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair.

(d)

Stairs and Porches. Inside and outside stairways and porches and any appurtenances thereto shall be capable of supporting loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon, and shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair.

(e)

Protective Railings. Protective railings capable of supporting loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon shall be required on any unenclosed portion of the building more than thirty inches above ground level or on any stairs containing four (3) or more risers.

(f)

Windows. All windows and their appurtenances shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair as follows:

(1)

Every window sash shall fit substantially tight within its frame, shall be fully supplied with tightly fitting panes which are glass or a suitable glass-substitute and which are without cracks or holes, and shall be sealed against the muntins with glazing compound or any other suitable sealers;

(2)

Every window, other than a fixed window not designed for ventilation, shall be capable of being easily opened, held in position, and secured in the closed position by window hardware;

(3)

Every exterior window frame shall be plumb and square and in such relation to adjacent wall construction so as to exclude water and substantially exclude cold air from entering the dwelling or dwelling unit.

(g)

Interior Doors. All interior doors shall fit reasonably well within their frames and all such doors and the hinges and latches thereon shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair.

(h)

Exterior Doors. All exterior doors shall be maintained in sound condition and shall have suitable door hinges, latches and locks reasonably capable of resisting illegal entry and maintained in sound working condition and good repair. Such doors shall be plumb and square within their frames so as to exclude water and rodents and substantially exclude cold air, moisture and insects from entering the dwelling.

(i)

Exterior Door Frames. All exterior door frames shall be maintained in sound condition and shall be plumb and square and in such relation to adjacent wall construction so as to exclude rain and substantially exclude cold air from entering the dwelling or dwelling unit.

(j)

Interior Floors, Walls and Ceilings. All interior floors, walls and ceilings, along with their structural supports, shall be substantially weathertight, vermin and rodent proof and shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair as follows:

(1)

Plaster or dry wall finish on walls and ceilings shall be tight and free from holes or breaks;

(2)

Floors shall be free of decay, holes, breaks, loose or warped members; reasonably level; safe; and capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be place thereon;

(3)

Kitchen and bathroom interior walls and floors shall be substantially impervious to moisture so as to protect such walls and floors and permit these surfaces to be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.

(k)

Protective Treatment. All exterior wood surfaces other than cedar, cypress or redwood shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective covering or treatment. All interior building surfaces shall be protected from damage by decay, ordinary use and corrosion. Exterior metal surfaces shall be protected from corrosion by paint or other protective covering.

(l)

Supporting Structural Members. The supporting structural members of every building used, designed or intended to be used for human habitation, including, but not limited, to sills, rafters, joists, girders, beams, headers, lintels and studs shall be maintained in sound condition and workmanlike maintenance and repair and shall show no evidence of decay or deterioration which would render them incapable of carrying loads placed thereon by normal use.