§ 18-104. Minimum standards for nonresidential buildings/structures.

No person shall occupy, let, or sub-let to another for occupancy, any nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure, which does not comply with the requirements hereinafter set forth, nor shall any vacant nonresidential building or structure be permitted to exist which does not comply with the following minimum standards:

(a)

Exterior walls. The exterior walls of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure shall be substantially weathertight and weatherproof, free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials and shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

(b)

Roofs. The roofs and all parts thereof of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure shall be maintained in a safe manner, free from defect, and shall have no defects which might admit rain or allow dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building, structure, or accessory structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions.

(c)

Stairs, porches, and appurtenances. Every outside stairway, stair, porch, deck, balcony and any appurtenance thereto of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure shall be maintained in safe condition and capable of supporting a load that normal use may place thereon.

(d)

Windows and exterior doors. Every window, skylight, and exterior door of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure shall be properly fitted within its frame, provided with the proper hardware, and shall be weathertight and weatherproof, and maintained in good repair.

(e)

Decorative features. All cornices, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

(f)

Overhang extensions. All overhang extensions of every nonresidential building, structure, or accessory structure including, but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition.

(g)

Care of premises. Nonresidential premises must be maintained as provided in the Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) and this Code, including, but not limited to, the following provisions:

i.

Gates, Fences, and Walls, section 1003 (LDC);

ii.

Accumulation of Debris; Property Maintenance, section 530.8 (LDC);

iii.

Signs, section 406.1 (LDC);

iv.

Outdoor storage of inoperative, unregistered, abandoned, or wrecked vehicles on any property prohibited, section 106-54 of this Code;

v.

Overgrown conditions and related public safety violations, section 42-1 of this Code.

(h)

Security of structures. Structures not occupied by the owner or a tenant and which are unguarded must be secured in a manner to prevent access to the interior of the structure by other persons or children. Temporary measures to secure a structure through boarding of windows, doors, and other openings may be used for no more than 30 calendar days and must meet the standards set out in section 79-10 of this Code. After 30 days, the opening(s) must be repaired pursuant to a building permit and in accordance with the relevant technical code. Each day thereafter a structure remains boarded (including those structures boarded by the county pursuant to section 79-10 of this Code) is a violation by the owner or other responsible party of this Code's minimum standards.

(Ord. No. 15-22, § 3, 10-20-15)