§ 5-11. Specific amendments to the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.

[Specific amendments:]

(1)

Add paragraph 104.1.1 Moss Lake. The Building Official or his designated representatives shall have the authority to regulate boat docks, piers and similar structures, and to enforce the City's Moss Lake ordinances for the maintenance thereof. Inspectors are authorized to issue notices and citations for violations. Additionally, property owners acknowledge that the acceptance of permits for docks or water pumps for property at Moss Lake grants right-of-entry to the property, at any reasonable time, to any city employees tasked with enforcement and inspections of such docks and pumps. Granted that right-of-entry is limited to the performance of inspection and enforcement duties.

(2)

Add paragraph 104.1.2 Moss Lake environmental inspections. The Community Services Director, Director of Water Utilities and the City Manager and their appointed representatives shall have the authority to enter properties adjacent to Moss Lake to investigate environmental issues that could affect water quality in the lake. If access is denied by the property owner, the aid of the Sheriffs Department Environmental Officer and/or appropriate State agencies shall be requested.

(3)

Add paragraph 104.1.3 In times of economic hardship, such as a recession, the Building Official shall have the authority to reduce services to comply with budget restraints.

(4)

Add paragraph 302.1.1 Odors. Odors created by animal excretions, rubbish, garbage, offal, chemicals or other similar means shall not be created. Odors shall not be discernable past the property lines.

(5)

Paragraph 302.4 Weeds. Insert height of weeds as 12".

(6)

Add paragraph 302.4.1 Responsibility. The property owner is responsible for cutting grass and weeds between his property lines and the back of the curb or the edge of pavement. In addition, property owners abutting alleys shall be responsible for mowing and cleaning the alley to the midpoint of the alley.

(7)

Add paragraph 302.4.2 Notices. Grass and weeds may be abated by the City at any time within one year after a notice has been served on a property without having to give additional notices.

(8)

Add paragraph 302.4.3 Additional restrictions. The City may mow grass or weeds that exceeds 48" in height without first having notified the property owner. A notice shall be sent after the lot is mowed and the property owner will be billed for any costs incurred by the City.

(9)

Add 302.8.1 Junk cars. If an inoperative or junk vehicle, after the owner is notified, is moved to any other place within the City Limits of Gainesville, without first having corrected the violations, the vehicle is still in violation without having to give additional notice.

(10)

Add 302.8.2 Time limit. A vehicle is considered inoperative if it has not moved within 30 days.

(11)

Add 302.8.3 Inoperative vehicles. A vehicle is considered inoperative if it cannot start and move under its own power, if it has flat tires, or if it has been wrecked or disabled in any manner. Exception: Vehicles that are actively being worked on for repairs or restoration. Such work must be ongoing and completed within a reasonable time frame.

(12)

Add paragraph 302.8.4 Towing. If the owner does not comply within the ten-day notification period, and after the case has been heard by the Building and Standards Commission at a public nuisance abatement hearing, junk and/or inoperative vehicles shall be towed at the owner's expense. Such vehicles shall be processed in accordance with State law and shall not be returned to the owner.

(13)

Add paragraph 302.10 Exterior furniture. Furniture placed outside in yards or on porches must be weather resistant and designed for outside use.

(14)

Add paragraph 302.11 Appliances. Household appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and similar appliances designed for inside use shall not be stored outside in yards or on porches. Non-operational window type air conditioners and other types of HVAC equipment shall not be stored outside or on porches.

(15)

Add paragraph 303.3. Federal Requirements. All existing swimming pools, public or private, are required to be retrofitted in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act of 2007.

(16)

Paragraph 304.14 Insect screens. Insert dates January 1 through December 31.

(Ord. No. 1401-12-2016, § 4, 12-20-16)