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PRIN7 <br /> <br /> ~ C T~ OF RAMSEy RESIDENT <br /> 'T <br /> ~, HOUSING STANDARDS <br /> <br /> CITY OF RA~sEY <br /> - ANOKA COUNTY <br /> ~ STATE OF ~INNESOTA <br /> PREAMBLE .. <br /> It is hereby found and declared that,impaired <br /> structures contaiF conditions dangerous_to the <br /> Public health, Safety, and general welfare of the <br /> citizens of .the City. It is found that impaired <br /> ~tructures exist within the C~ty because of faul~ <br /> tV design or construction, failure to keep them <br /> in a.p~oper state of repair, lack of adequate <br /> lighHng or ventilation, /nobility to properly <br /> heat,, i~proper management, or any com- <br /> bination of these factors, t is declared that 1he <br /> i~provement of impaired structures and..the <br /> preveBtion of existence of impo red structures <br /> m the,future is in the best interest of the citi- <br /> zens of the City. <br /> The City,Council of <br /> the City,of Ramsay ordains: <br /> ARTICLE I: GENERAL PROVISIONS <br /> SECTION 110.191A - TITLE: This ordinance <br /> shell be know0 as the Ramsay Ees/denl~al <br /> Housing -Standards Ordinance end will be <br /> hereinafter referred to as "this ordmance". <br /> SECTION 110.191B - SCOPE: All provisions of <br /> this ordinance shall apply uniformly to the <br /> maintenance, repair, equipment, use, end oc- <br /> cupancy of all existing resident/al ~roperties, <br /> including single fern Uy dwellings and/or multi- <br /> ple family dwellings including apartments, aaa <br /> condominium ~ommon areas within the City. <br /> SECTION 110.191C -PURPosE: The purpose <br /> ol this ordinance ~s to maintain the City's <br /> sanitation/ public hearth and attractiveness, <br /> protect the ~afefy of the people and to Promote <br /> the general welfare by legislaHon which shah <br /> be systematically enforced upon ali residential <br /> property-and ec~t es a PubUc service to residems <br /> Who ere' homeowners.~ These general objectives <br /> include, among others, the following: <br /> , I) To Protect the character end stability of <br /> residenti~ areaswithJn the City; <br /> 2) .~o correct end Prevent conditions that <br /> adversely affe~t or are likely to adversely ef- <br /> fect the Safety, general welfare, end health of <br /> PerSons Owning or renting residential faculties <br /> within the City; <br /> 3) ~To provide sound maintenance of coo~j~g, <br /> ~eat/ng, sanitary, electrical, light, epd ventila- <br /> . ti°nsystemsne(essaryforhealthendsafefy; <br /> 4) To provide basic standoffs for the <br /> maintenance of existing residential structures <br /> end to prevent deterioration and blight; <br /> 5) To preserve the value of land and. struc- <br /> tunes throughout the City. ' <br /> ' SECTION ~10,191D - DEFINITIONS: The fol- <br /> .Iow~ng termS, wherever they occur in this ordJ- <br /> HaRce, are :r'defjRed as set forth herein. <br /> Whenever the words "dwelling,', "dwelling <br /> uhJt"; "premises", or "structure', are USed <br /> this article, they shaU be construed es though <br /> they were 'followed by the WOrds "or ehy part <br /> thereof',. , . <br /> 1) APPROVED: Approved as to construction, <br /> insteUetJon, ~nd maintenance in accordance <br /> w~th'~ePPlicablestatutes of'-the State end the <br /> ~rov~s/ons of th~ City ordinances. <br /> · 2) BASEMENT: That Portion of a building <br /> 6e~een floor and ceiling, which is partly below <br /> gFede'bbt sb located that the vertical distance <br /> fFo~ g~&de~fo-floor below is less than the ver- <br /> tical.distance from grade to ceiling. <br /> 3)fr~ATH':: Bath shall mean a bathtub or <br /> shOWe'r-stall r. <br /> ''4} 'BEDROO~u A habitable room within <br /> dwelling bail'which is used or intended to be us- <br /> ed ~rimerily for ,the purpose of sleeping, but <br /> shallrnot include any kitchen or dining area.. <br /> 5) CEEAN: Theabsence of rubbish,, garbage, <br /> vermin, or other un~ightly,'offensive, or extra-. <br /> <br /> · '6) rDWELLING~UNIT: IS one or more rooms, <br /> 'including comp/ere'kitchen and bathroom facili- <br /> ties, used as.tiv~ng quarters exclusively by one <br /> 7) EASY;CLEANABLE: Readil~ a~cessib <br /> cated.~nd Placed that,r~sjdue which may <br /> cumul~t~-cen be' complete ~ removed by nor- <br /> mol cleaning methods. <br /> 8) EGRESS WINDOW: All sleep~ng rooms <br /> shall be provided with emergency egress wJn- <br /> ~°WScomply~ngwiththe'U.B.C. · <br /> 9) EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOW: Sleep- <br /> ing rooms in basements shall be provided with <br /> egress windows confirming to Section R-211. <br /> Sleeping rooms ~n rental dwelings shall also <br /> comply. <br /> 10) EXIT: A continuous and unobstructed <br />means of egress to e Public or private way and <br />shall include interven/ng doors, d~rways, cor- <br />ridors, ramps, stairways, smoke proof <br />enclosures,, horizontal exits, exit passageways, <br />exit courts and Yards. ' <br /> 11) FUNCTIONING: In such physical condi- <br />lJo~ 8s ~o Safety perform the service or services <br />fpr which an item is designed or intended. <br /> 12) GARBAGE: Includes eh putresc/b~e <br />animal vegetable, or ~ther matter that aH~nds <br /> <br /> -.28~ UNSAFE: As'ahpJ/ed'to a structure, a <br /> co.ndition'or combination of'canditi0ns which is <br /> dangerous or hazardous to persons or property. <br /> 29) UNSANITARY: As applied Fo a struct(Jre, <br /> conditions which,are dange~'ous or hazardous to <br /> the health of persons. - <br /> 30) WATER CLOSET: A toilet, with a bowl <br /> and trap made in one piece, which is ~:onnecfed <br /> to an approved wafer supply and Sewer ~ystem. <br /> 31) WATER SUPPLy: A functioning plumb- <br /> /ng connection f~'ee from defects, leaks or <br /> obstructions pKov ding s potable, controllable <br /> flow ~f water. <br /> SECTION ] 10.19t E- ADMINISTRATION: <br /> 1) The City Building Official shall adminster <br /> and enforce the PrOVisions Of this ordinance and <br /> they are hereby authorized fo cause inspections <br /> on s scheduled basis or when reason exists to <br /> believe'that a violation of this ordinance has <br /> been or is being committed. <br /> 2)When a City Building Official determines a <br /> violation, the Building Official's written evalua- <br /> tion of the deficiencies shall' be considered <br /> Prima fac/e evidence in any subsequent litiga- <br /> t/on of a violation under this section. <br /> 3) If any owner, occupant, or Other person in <br /> charge of a dwelling unit faits or refuses to <br /> permit free access and entry to the structure of <br /> premises under that person's control for an in- <br /> spection pursuant to this ordinance, the Build- <br /> ing Official may seek a court order authorizing <br /> SUCh an inspection. <br /> ARTICLE il: GENERAL REGULATIONS <br /> SECTION 110.192A - RESP. ONSIBILITY OF <br /> OWNERS: The owner of a dwelling shall be <br /> responsible for the maintenance of that struc- <br /> ture end for meeting the provisions of this Ordi- <br /> nonce. Those responsibilities may not be ebro- <br /> gated by a private agreement, <br /> SECTION 110.1~2B REMOVAL OF EQUIP. <br /> MENT OR FACILITIES: No owner, operator, <br /> or occupant shall cause any facility or equip- <br /> ment which is required Under this ordinance to <br /> be removed from or shut off frown any occupied <br /> building or dwelling unit except for.such tern- <br /> porary interruptions as may ne ·necessary while <br /> such repairs or alterations are in progress, or <br /> during temporary emergencies.. <br /> SECTION 110.192C - MAINTENANCE OF <br /> HEATING FACILITIES: Every heating facility <br /> shall be maintained in a Safe and good working <br /> condition and shal comply with all the follow- <br /> ing reqq relents: ' <br /> 1) No fuel burning heater shall be of a por- <br /> table type.. <br /> 2) Every rue. burning heater Shall be Proper- <br /> ly vented t(~ a chimney or duct leading fo out- <br /> door space. <br /> 3). Every fuel burning heater shall have a fire <br /> resistant panel beneath it.. <br /> 4) Every he~fer located within three (3) feet <br /> of a Wall shall be installed'as per.manufactur. <br /> er's instructions. <br /> 5) Every heater smoke pipe shall be equipped <br /> wi.th guards properly constructed of non*flare- . <br /> labia material Et the pbint where the pipe goes <br /> though a wall, ceiling, or partition and maintain <br /> p~operty clearances. <br /> ARTICLE II1: PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIRE. <br /> MENTS FOR SERVICES AND UTILITIES' <br /> SECTION 110.193A - MINI/~UM PLUMBING <br /> STANDARDS: All plumbing in every dwelling <br /> unit shall be properly installed and maintained <br /> in a. sanitary, Safe, and functioning condition <br /> and shall be connected 1o an approved sewer <br /> system. <br /> SECTION 110.193B - MINIMUM HEATING <br /> STANOA'ROS: All structures shall have heatJ/~g <br /> facilities which are properly inst,;led and <br /> which are maintained in safe and good working <br /> condit on and which are capable of safely main- <br /> raining a minimum indoor tempoerature of slx- <br /> fy-eight (68) degees Fa'hr~nheit at an outside <br /> /emperature of twenty (20) degrees below zero <br /> (0) Fahrenheit at thirty-s/x (36) inches above <br /> the floor in ali habjtable rooms, bathrooms, and <br /> wafer .closet compartments in every,dwelling <br /> un!f located therien. Gas or electric appliances <br /> designed primarily for cook/ny or water heating <br /> . purposes ~hall not be considered as heating fa- <br /> cJlJtles within the meaning of this section, Pot. <br /> fa'bio heating, equipment employing flame and <br /> the use of liquid fuel does not meet the re- <br /> quirements of this section and is prohibited. NO <br /> <br /> hen/er employing a flame that is not '~enfed <br /> outside the structure in an approved manner. <br /> SECTION 110.193C - MINIMUM WATER <br /> HEATING STANDARDS: Every dwelling shall <br /> have water heating facilities which are installed <br /> <br /> operated in safe and good working condition, <br /> ar~ properly c(~nnected with the hot wafer lines, <br /> and are capable of allowing heated water to be <br /> drawn at every required fixture ,~t a minimum <br /> temperature of one hundred lwenty If20) <br /> degrees Fahrenheit. ' <br />SECTION )lO. f930 - UNITS AT OR BELOW <br />GRADE: <br />1) All windows located at'or, near ground level <br />used or intended to be used for ventilation, all <br />other openings located at or near grOUnd level, <br />and all exterior doorways which might prov de <br />an entry for rodents shell, be Supplied with ade- <br />quate screens or such Other devices as wJJl pre- <br />vent the entrance of rodents l~fo the str~cture~ <br />2) All servers, pipes, drains, or conduits end <br /> <br /> adults shall <br /> <br />be kept in a safe ~:ondifion and sound repair, of occupancy, has been Issued by the City I <br /> <br /> 9) DOORs, LOCKS, AND SECURITY: No <br /> OWner shall occupy nor let to another for oc- <br /> cupancy any dwelling unit unless afl exterior <br /> doors of the dwelling in it are equipped with <br /> Safe, functioning, lacking devices which meet <br /> the requirements of the Uniform Building Code. <br /> t0) -SNOW REMOVAL: The owner of a'dwell- <br /> i_ng-shall be'responsible ~or cleanir~g and main. <br /> ta!ning'all walks, drives, and steps free of any <br /> .~ge or any snow.accumulations Of two (2) or <br /> more .inches within twenty-four (24) hours of <br /> <br /> · fha Storm's completion. <br /> SECTION 110.194~ . IMMEDIATE HEALTH <br /> AND SAFETY HAZARDS: The following are <br /> considered immediate hazards to health and <br /> safety for human occupancy: <br /> 1) Heating sYStems that ere unsafe due to: <br /> burned out ~,r rusted out heat exchanges {fire <br /> box); burned out or PlUgged flues; not being <br /> vented; being connected With unsafe gas sup. <br /> plies, failing to meet the minimum heating <br /> Standards set forth in Section ! 10.192C. <br /> 2) Water heaters that are unsafe due to: <br /> bt/rned out or rustec~ out heat exchanges (fire <br /> box); burnea out, rusted out, or plugged flues; <br /> not being vented; being connected with unsafe <br /> gas supplies; or lack of temperature and <br /> Pressure relief valves. <br /> <br /> 3) Electrical systems that are unsafe due to: <br /> dangerous OVerloading; dam aged or <br /> deteriorated equipment; improperly taped or <br /> spliced wiring; exposed or uninsuiated wires; <br /> distribution systems of extension cords or o/her <br /> temporary methods, ungrounded syste.~, <br /> ungrounded appliances in contact with earth, <br /> 4) Plumbing systems that are Inoperetable or <br /> unsanitary due to: leaking waste systems, fix. <br /> lures, ad traps; lack of a.water closetl lack of <br /> washing and bathing facilities; cross connection <br /> of Pure water supply with fixtures of sewage <br /> lines, or System failure. <br /> 5) Slru~tural systems, walls, chimneys, cell. <br /> lags, roofs, founder/oas, and floor systems tt~at, <br /> Will not safety carny imposed loads. ' <br /> 6) Rubbish, ~9~.l~age, ~uman Waste,.decaying <br /> vermin or dead an.imals, animal waste, .other <br /> materials rendering I1 uhsanitary for human <br /> occupancy. ' <br /> 7) Infestation of rode~lts~ in,acts, vermin, and <br /> of her pests. - <br /> 8) Water supply that is i,'loperab{e or: un- <br /> sanitary due to: teak/ny supply pipes, fiXtures, <br /> and traps, cross connection with sewage lines, <br /> or system failure. <br /> ARTICLE V: BASIC REQUIREMENT~ <br /> PERTAI NI NG TO TNE MAINTENANCE <br /> OF RESIDENT(AL PROPERTIES <br /> SECTION 110.195A - Plumbing, heating, yen. <br /> tilating, and electrical service: Every owner <br /> shall be responsible for the provision and <br /> maintenance of plumbing, heating, electrical, <br /> and ventilating service to each dwell lng unit, <br /> SECTION 110.195B - Supplied heat to non. <br /> controlling occupant: Whenever the occupant <br /> lacks direct control over the supplied heat to a <br /> dwelling unit or rooming unit, II Shall be the re- <br /> Sponsibility of the Owner to maintain minimum <br /> hea~ing Standards as set* forth in Section <br /> 119.192C. <br /> SECTION lI0. I95C - Climate control as In- <br /> tegral function When facilities for Interior <br /> climate Control (heating, cooling, and/or bu. <br /> midity' control) are integral fun(SliDes Of struc- <br /> tures containing dwelling units or rooming <br /> units, it shall be the responsibility of the owner <br /> thatlsuch'facilif es are maintained and operated <br /> in e continuous manner and in accordance with <br /> the designed capacity ut the installed equip- <br /> meat. During instances .when the Integral <br /> equipment is inoperative because of power or <br /> mechanical failure, alternative provisions for <br /> fresh air ventilation of each dwelling or room- <br /> ing unit shall be the responsibility of the Owner. <br /> SECTION lt0.195D - Illumination, public <br /> ha/Is, and stairways: Every public hall and <br /> stairway in every multiple family dwelling shall <br /> be adequately lighted by nature or electric <br /> light at all times so as.to provide effective II- <br /> iumination in ail parts thereof, Every public <br /> hall and stairway in structures 'containing not <br /> more than two {2) dwelling Units ma~ be SUp- <br /> plied with convenienfl ocat " <br /> ;~,&'z-../¢~ ....... ; ..... -,~ .... e~ ~l!ghf, s,~l,tches <br /> ~-,,ru,mg an anequate lightln§ ~Y~tem'~hlch <br /> may be tur'r~ed on when needed, Instead df full <br /> time lighting.. <br /> SECTION ] )0,.19SE - Fire Exits: "' <br /> · 1)No fl~e exit shali be permUted'which is so <br /> far.removed frPm any dwel 'og u~lt or In.such <br /> condition as to be deemed un'ate or dangerous <br /> and ~ot fit for the purpose. ' <br />2) All exit Stairways' irl multiple dwellings <br />having more than two (2) occupied levels shall <br />be separated from e~h olher by a substantial <br />separation of at least 'one (D hour fire <br />resistance rating as detailed In the Uniform <br />Bdiding Cede as adopted by City Ordinance. <br />3) All multiple dwellings having more Ihan <br />two (2) levels, and the lowest level at an eleva- <br />tion le, s~ than grade and 'having the axil at <br />grade level, shall provide a substantial barrier <br />c°nstru~ed ar'l~(places ~o Ds t° prevent a Per. <br />son from PP, Oceeding.down the stairs to a level <br />!ower than thee level ~f exit. <br />4) Every·apartment building with twenty.five <br />(25) or more living units' shall ' provide <br /> <br /> lng official. It shall be unlawful for any p <br /> to deface or remove the placard from any <br /> dwelling unit. <br /> SECTION 110.197C · SECURE UNFIT <br /> VACATED DWELLINGS: The OWner of <br /> dwelling unit which has been declared unf <br /> human habitation or which <br /> tot a period of sixty (60) days or more <br /> make same safe and secure so that it is <br /> hazardous to the health, safety, and welfa~ <br /> the public prtd does not constitute a Pt <br /> nuisance. Any vacant dwelling open at door <br /> windows, If unguarded, shall be deemed to J <br /> hazard fo the health, safety, and welfare of <br /> public ancl a Public nuisance Within the <br /> lng of this ordinance. <br /> SECTION f10. I97D . HAZARDOUS BUll <br /> lNG DECLARATION: In the~vent that a dw <br /> lng unit has been declared unfit for hun <br /> habitation and the owner has not remedied <br /> defects within a reasonable time, the dwell <br /> unit may be declared e hazardous building <br /> treated consistent with the provisions of Sect, <br /> 463.15 of Minnesota Statutes. <br /> ARTICLE VIII; ADMINISTRATION <br /> AND ENFORCEMENT <br /> SECTION 110.198A - INSPECTION C <br /> DWELLING UNITSAND PREMISES: <br /> I) The City Building Official .is herel <br /> authorized and directed 1o enter end make su~ <br /> Inspections as are necessary to determine fl <br /> condition of any dwelling unit and premises <br /> compliance With this ord{onance. The owner <br /> occupant of every dwelling unll, or the perse <br /> In charge thereof, shall give the Building O <br /> tlc;al free access to such dwelling unit and if <br /> premises at e reasonable times for the put <br /> Pose of such inspection, examination, am <br /> survey. The right of inspection shall be ex <br /> ecuted as a result of a complaint from a reliabi~ <br /> Source Such as police, 'fire department, publi( <br /> utilities, private utilities, OWners or tenant,, <br /> and/or other governr~ental agencies. <br /> 2} EVery occupant Of a dwelling unit shell <br /> give fha OWner or operator thereof, or their <br /> agents or employees, access to any part of such <br /> dwelling urHt or its pram/sea at all reasonable <br /> times tot the purpose of inspecting or affecting <br /> such maintenance, repairs or alterations as are <br /> necessary to effect compliance with the provi- <br /> sions of this ordinance or with any lawful rule <br /> or regulation adopted or any lawful notice or <br /> order isSUed pursuant to the provisions of this <br /> ordinance. <br /> SECT ION 110.198B - COMPL/ANCE ORDER: <br /> 1) Whenever the City Building Official deter- <br /> mines or has reasonable grounds to believe that <br /> there has been a violation of any provision of <br /> this ordinance, the Building Official shall give <br /> notice of such alleged violation in/he form of a <br /> Compliance Order to the person responsible <br /> therefore. Such order shall: <br /> a) Bela writing. <br /> b) Include a description of the real estate suf- <br /> ficient for identification. <br /> c) Describe In sufficient detail each violation, <br /> d) Contain an outline of remedial action <br /> which, if taken, will effect compliance wih the <br /> provision of this ordinance. <br /> e) Allow a reasonable, time, not to exceed six- <br /> ty (60) days for the performance of any act re- <br /> rq~ireq.' <br /> .fl Be served Upon the OWner, agent, operalor <br /> or Occupant: such notice shall be deemed to be <br /> properly served If a copy thereof Is: <br /> i) served personally upon said owner, agent, <br /> operator or occupant; <br /> II) sent by mall to Ihe last known addressof <br /> the owner, agent, operator, or occupant; or <br /> iii} upon <br /> Order fhorugh I) or II) above, said Order will be <br /> posted at a conspicuous place in or about the af- <br /> fected dwelUng unit. <br /> SECTION 110.19aC · PENALTIES: Failure to <br /> meet the requirements of the Compliance Order <br /> ShaU be a violation of this ordinance and a <br /> misdemeanor end is sublect to all penalties as <br /> provided by State Statute. Each day the ViD- <br /> r lotion continues in existence Shall be deemed e <br /> I separate violation. <br /> ~ SECTION 110.198D. EXECUTION OF CUM- <br /> ! PLIANCE ORDERS: Upon failure fo comply <br />twith e Comp/lance Order within the time set <br />an-d"ri~ app(~ai 'ha'ring been' taken, the Cii¥ <br />! Council may, by resolution, cause the cited <br />, deficiency to be remedied as set forth in the <br />Compliance Order. The cost of such remedy <br />~ shal/be levied against the sublect property and <br />'may be /evled and collected as a s[~ecial <br />p~sesament fn the manner Provided by City <br />Charter. ' · <br /> SECTION )10.198E . APPEAL: When it is <br /> alleged by any person to whom a Compliance <br /> Order is directed that such Compliance Order <br />based upon erroneous interpretation of this or- <br />dinance, such peron 'may appeal the Com- <br />pliance Order as set forth in City Code Section <br />170.013H entitled "B~ard of Adjustment". The <br />fi!lng, o~ an appeal shall stay all proceedings, <br />uh!ess such a .stay wo~ld cause Imminent peril <br />to Ilfe,'health, safety' or property. <br />· SECT'ION 110.198F - EMERGENCY CASES: <br />When a violation of this ordinance constitutes <br />an. imminent peru to Ute, health, sefefy or <br />property, the City may require immediate <br />compliance and If necessary take appropriate <br /> <br /> <br />