ARTICLE XV. - MAINTENANCE OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Warwick, RI.
The text
Footnotes:
--- (6) --- Cross reference— Buildings and building regulations, ch. 8; businesses, ch. 10; violation relating to the maintenance of commercial and industrial buildings, § 42-15.
Sec. 26-451. - Purpose.#
It is hereby found and declared that there exist within the city numerous commercial and industrial buildings and premises which are substandard due to dilapidation, deterioration and disrepair, structural defects, uncleanliness and other conditions and defects which increase the hazards of fire and accident, and depreciate the value of property; that these conditions singly or in combination endanger the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the city and give impetus to the development, continuation, extension and aggravation of blighted and substandard conditions on commercial and industrial premises and abutting dwelling premises in the city, and that regulation of commercial premises is necessary for the preservation of the health, safety, comfort and welfare of the inhabitants of the city and for the protection of property.
(Code 1971, § 4-41)
Sec. 26-452. - Definitions.#
In the interpretation of this article, all words, other than the terms herein specifically defined or defined either in section 26-2 or section 1-2, shall have their meaning implied by their context in this article or their ordinarily accepted meaning as generally used. The meanings prescribed for terms in section 26-2 and section 1-2 shall apply to those terms when used in this article. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this article:
Premises means any land, whether vacant or occupied, on which commercial business or industrial use is permitted under the zoning ordinance of the city.
Structure means all structures used or intended to be used for commercial, business or industrial use or occupancy.
(Code 1971, § 4-42)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Sec. 26-453. - Prohibited and required conditions.#
No person shall own, occupy or permit to be occupied by another any structure or premises not complying with the provisions of this section. (1)
The grading and drainage of premises and structures shall be such that no water shall be allowed to seep into any basement or cellar, or to accumulate or become stagnant therein or on the premises and on the roof.
(2)
Every foundation floor, roof, ceiling, and exterior and interior wall shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and damp-free, and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. All exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements by paint or some other protective covering or treatment.
(3)
All premises shall be graded, drained, free of standing water and maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.
(4)
No garbage, rubbish or debris shall be permitted to remain on the premises unless in a bin or receptacle.
(5)
Every window, exterior door and bulkhead shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof, and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
(6)
Every inside and outside stairway, every porch and every appurtenance shall be constructed and maintained in safe condition and good repair.
(Code 1971, § 4-43)
Sec. 26-454. - Enforcement; notice of violation; correction of violations.#
(a)
The director of the minimum housing division shall be responsible for the enforcement of this article.
(b)
Whenever the director or his/her agent determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is a violation of the minimum standards of section 26-453, he/she shall give notice to the owner, occupant or person permitting occupancy. Such notice shall be in writing, shall give a reasonable time to correct the violation and shall be served or deemed to be served in the manner provided in section 26-63.
(c)
In the event correction is not made within the time prescribed in the notice of violation provided for in subsection (b) of this section, the director shall cause an appropriate complaint to be brought before the municipal court of the city.
(d)
Whenever the director or his/her agent determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of the minimum standards of this article within one year of final adjudication of a similar violation of this article, the director shall immediately cause an appropriate complaint to be brought before the municipal court of the city, and time to correct said violation, pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, shall not apply.
(Code 1971, § 4-44)
Sec. 26-455. - Penalty.#
Any person who owns, occupies or permits to be occupied by another any structure or premises in violation of this article shall be punishable as provided in section 1-4. Each day's failure to comply with any such provision shall constitute a separate violation.
(Code 1971, § 4-46)