§ 41.10. Exterior structure.

(a)

General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

(b)

Protective treatment. The exterior of all premises and every structure shall be maintained free of broken glass, crumbling stone, brick or stucco, torn screens, rotted wood, mold or mildew (excluding roofs), or other conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.

(c)

Premises identification.

(1)

The GIS department shall assign numbered street addresses to all properties and buildings within the city limits except those located on State Highway No 5 (U.S. Federal Highway No. 1).

(2)

Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half (0.5) inch.

(3)

Single-family dwellings and townhouses.

a.

Single-family dwellings that are situated on corner lots will be assigned an address of the street where the front entrance faces.

b.

Single-family dwellings that are situated on a corner lot at an angle to both streets will be assigned an address of the street where the garage faces, notwithstanding the placement of the driveway.

(4)

Multiple dwelling buildings. Buildings containing two (2) or more dwelling units shall be assigned an address for the building. Where two (2) or more buildings occupy a property each building shall be assigned an address. Each apartment or dwelling unit shall be indentified with individual addresses pursuant to subsection 41.10(c)(2).

(d)

Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration; and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.

(e)

Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.

(f)

Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.

(g)

Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

(h)

Decorative features. All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

(i)

Overhang extensions. All overhang extensions including, but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, 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.

(j)

Stairways, decks porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.

(k)

Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.

(1)

Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.

(l)

Doors. All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units and sleeping units shall tightly secure the door.

(m)

Storm shutter regulations.

(1)

Storm shutters placed on structures certified for occupancy. Protection from windborne debris is encouraged for all structures certified for occupancy in the city. Storm shutters, or hurricane protection devices, shall be designed and installed in conformance with the Florida Building Code in effect at the time such hurricane protection was permitted by the permits division of the building department of the City of Port. St. Lucie.

(2)

Except during the period from June 1st through November 30th each calendar year, hurricane protective devices are not permitted to be in the closed/secured position, unless there is a hurricane or tropical storm watch outside of the designated hurricane season. Placement of storm shutters during the allowed period shall be as provided in subsection (3), below.

3.

Storm shutter placement. Hurricane protective devices that impede egress, light, and/or ventilation in a closed/secured position on occupied buildings must be removed no later than fourteen (14) days after the termination of a hurricane event (watch, warning, or actual hurricane or tornado) unless:

a.

A hurricane or tropical storm watch occurs in the fourteen (14) day period, at which point the fourteen (14) day period begins a new the day after the hurricane or tropical storm conditions have subsided; or

b.

Hurricane or tropical storm watch conditions are predicted to occur within forty-eight (48) hours after the fourteenth day; or

c.

The structure is used for residential purposes, but no person is in residence.

(Ord. No. 09-80, § 3, 1-11-10)