HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances Book 15, Page 1122, No Ordinance Numberr
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AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHIIvG MINIMUM STAiZARDS GOVERhIhG THE
USE, OCCUPANCY AivD MAINTENANCE OF DWELLI1vGS, DWELLI14G UMTS
AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES; ESTABLISHIar, MINIMUM STA14DARDS
GOVERNIAG MIA ID UM SUPPLIED UTILITIES AND FACILITIES, AND OTHER
PHYSICAL THIivGS A"D CONDITIONS ESSEATIAL TO MAKE DWELLINGS
SAFE, SAivITARY AND FIT FOR HUMAiv HABITATIOiv; ESTABLISHIIuG MI1vIMUM
STAIuDARDS GOVERNI1vG THE COADITION AiuD MAINTENA1vCE OF DIVELLI14G AAD AC-
CESSORY STRUCTURES; FIXI1vG CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AiuD DUTIES OF
OWNERS AAD OCCUPA1vTS OF DWELLIAGS; AUTHORIZIiuG THE INSPECTION OF
DWELLIAGS AAD ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND. PROVIDIAG FOR THE COIv-
DEXivATIOA OF ALL BUILDIAGS AND STRUCTURES DEEMED U1vFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION
AND USE; AND, FIXIivG PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
WHEREAS, it has heretofore been determined that there exist in the
City of Paducah, Kentucky, dwellings, dwelling units and accessory structures
which are unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, defects, increasing
the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities, lack of ventilation,
light or sanitary facilities, or other conditions rendering said dwellings,
dwelling units and accessory structures unsafe or unsanitary, or dangerous or
detrimental to the health, safety or morals or otherwise inimical to the
welfare of the residents of the City of Paducah, Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that these conditions can be relieved,
in a measure prevented and often eliminated through planned and properly en-
forced minimum housing standards, resulting thereby in the upgrading of living
conditions and an overall enhancement of the general health, safety and welfare
of all residents and property owners of the City of Paducah.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE CITY OF PADUCAH, KENTUCKY:
CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATIOh
SECTION 101 - TITLE A11D SCOPE
101.1 Title
The provisions embraced within the following chapters and sections
shall constitute and be known and may be cited as "The Paducah, Kentucky,
Standard Housing Code", hereinafter referred to as "this Code".
101.2 Code Remedial
This code is hereby declared to be remedial, and shall be construed to
secure the beneficial interests and purposes thereof, which are public safety,
health and general welfare, through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate
light and ventilation and safety to life and property from fire and other
hazards incident to the construction, alteration or repair, removal, demolition
use and occupancy of dwellings, apartment houses, rooming houses or buildings,
structures or premises used as such.
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101.3 Scope
(a) The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction,
alteration, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance,
removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
(b) No provision of this code shall be held to deprive any federal
or state agency, or any municipal authority having ,jurisdiction, of any power
or authority to which it had on the effective date of this ordinance or of an
remedy then existing for the enforcement of its orders, nor shall it deprive
any individual or corporation of its legal rights as provided by law.
(c) The provisions of this code shall apply to all mobile homes and
house trailers used as a residential occupancy in excess of thirty (30) days.
(d) All persons, firms, corporations, or other entities owning, con-
trolling or letting property for occupancy or occupying property for dwelling
purposes in theCity of Paducah shall be subject to the requirements of this
code and shall conform to the provisions hereof and be subject to the pen-
alties set forth herein.
101.4 Existing Buildings
The provisions of this code shall apply to any dwelling, apartment,
apartment house or rooming house irrespective of when said building was
constructed, altered or repaired.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 103.2 herein, if, within any
period of twelve (12) months, alterations or repairs costing in excess of the
then physical value of the building are made on an existing building, such
building shall be made to conform to the requirements of the building code
for new buildings.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 103.2 herein, if an existing
building is damaged by fire or otherwise in excess of fifty per cent (50%)
of its then physical value before such damage is repaired, it shall be made
to conform to the requirements of the building code for new buildings.
(c) Subject to the provisions of paragraph 103.2 herein, if the cost
of such alterations or repairs or the amount of such damage, is more than
twenty-five but not more than fifty per cent (50%) of the then physical value
of the building, the portions to be altered or repaired shall be made to con-
form to the requirements of the building code for new buildings to such exten
as the Building Inspector, or his duly authorized representative may determin
(d) Repairs and alterations, not covered by the preceding paragraphs
of this section, restoring a building to its condition previous to damage or
deterioration, or altering it is conformity with the provisions of the buildi.
code or in such manner as will not extend or increase any existing nonconform.
or hazard, may be made with the same kind of materials as those with which th,
building is constructed.
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(e) For the purposes of this section the "physical value" of a building
or structure, as hereinafter defined shall be determined by the Building 2
spector.
101.5 Maintenance
All buildings or structures, both existing and new, and all parts
thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devises
or safeguards which are required by this.code in a building when erected,
altered or repaired, shall be maintained in good working order. The owner,
or his designated agent, shall be responsible for the maintenance of build-
ings, structures and premises to the extent set out in Chapter 111, Sectior.
310 of this code. A tenant shall be responsible for the maintenance of
buildings, structures and premises.to the extent set out in Chapter 111,
Section 310 of this code.
SECTION 102 ORGANIZATION
102.1 Enforcement Officer
There is herebv established provisions for the enforcement of this
code by the Building Inspector.
102.2 Restrictions on Emplovees
No officer or employee for the agency responsible for the enforcemen
of the provisions of this code shall be financially interested in the
furnishing of labor, material or appliances for the construction, alterati
or maintenance of a building or in the making ofplans or of specifications
therefor, unless he is the owner of such building. No such officer or
employee shall engage in any work which is inconsistent with his duties or rth
the interests of the agency responsible for the enforcement of this code.
102.3 Records
The Building Inspector shall keep, or cause to be kept, a record of
the business of his department. The records of said department shall be
open to public inspection.
SECTION 103 POWERS AND DUTIES
103.1 General
(a) The Building Inspector is charged with the enforcement
of the provisions of this code and shall work in close coordination
with the Health Officer, Fire Chief and Plumbing Inspector.
The Building Inspector is hereby empowered to prescribe, adopt, promulgate
and enforce rules and regulations relating to any matter or being pertainir
to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code,
including, but not limited to,the preparation of the necessary forms, the
necessary inspections and the details of ,point and several inspections by
the public officers.
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(b) The Public Officer or officers are authorized to exercise such
powers as are necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purpos
and provisions of this code; to investigate the dwelling conditions in the
City in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human
habitation; to administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive
evidence; to enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations,
during all reasonable hours, except in cases of emergency where extreme
hazards are known to exist which may involve the potential loss of life or
severe property damage in which case the above limitations shall not apply;
to appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as he
deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this code; and to delegate any
of his functions and powers under this code to such officers and agents as
he designates.
Procedures. I
All dwellings, apartment houses, rooming houses or buildings or structul s
used as such which are unsafe, unsanitary, unfit for human habitation due to
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dilapidation, defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other
calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or due
to other conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe or unsanitary, or
dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or morals or otherwise
inimical to the welfare of the residents of the City of Paducah, are s
in contemplation of this section, unsafe buildings. All such unsafe b
are hereby declared illegal and shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation
or by demolition in accordance with the following procedures.
(a) Whenever a petition is filed with a Public Officer, by a Public
Authority or by at least five residents of the City charging that any dwelli
is unfit for human habitation, or whenever it appears to the Publis Officer
(on his own motion) that any dwelling is unfit for human habitation, the
Public Officer shall, if his preliminary investigation discloses a basis for
such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of any the parties
in interest in such dwelling a complaint stating the charges in that respect
The complaint shall state: That a hearing will be held before the Public
Officer (or his designated agent) at a place therein fixed not less than ten
(10) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the serving of the complaint;
that the owner and parties in interest may file an answer to the complaint
and to appear in person, or otherwise, and give testimony at the place and
time fixed in the complaint, and that the rules of evidence prevailing in
courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the
Public Officer.
(b) I£, after the notice and hearing, the Public Officer determines
that the dwelling under consideration is unfit for human habitation, he shal
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state in writing his findings of fact in support of such determination and
shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order requiring
the owner:
(1) To the intent and within the time sepcified in the order, to
repair, alter or improve the said dwelling, to render it fit For human
habitation, or, at the option of the owner, to vacate and close the dwelling
as a human habitation if the repair, alteration or improvement of the dwelli
at a cost that is not more than fifty per cent (50% of the value of the
dwelling; or
(2) Within the time specified in the order, to remove
or demolish the said dwelling if the repair, alteration or improve-
ment of the dwelling cannot be made at a cost that is not more
than fifty per cent (50%) of the value of the dwelling.
(c) If the owner fails to comply with an order to repair,
alter or improve, or, at the option of the owner, to vacate and
close the dwelling, the Public Officer may cause the dwelling to
he repaired, altered or improved, or to be vacated and closed.
The Public Officer may cause to be posted on the main entrance
of any dwelling so closed a placard with the following words:
"This building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation
of this building .for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful."
(d) If the owner fails to /comply with an order to remove
or demolish the dwelling, the Public Officer may cause such
dwelling to be removed or demolished.
(e) The amount of the cost of repairs, alterations or
improvements, or vacating and closing or removal or demolition
shall be a lien upon the real property upon which such cost was
incurred. If the dwelling is removed or demolished by the Public
Officer, he shall sell the materials of the dwelling and shall
credit the proceeds of such sale against the cost of the removal
or demolition and any balance remaining shall be deposited in
the Circuit Court by the Public Officer, shall be secured in such
manner as may be directed by such court, and shall be disbursed
by such court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final
order or decree of such court.
(f) No person shall use or occupy as a dwelling any building
upon which has been posted the placard referred to in subsection (c) above.
103.3 Standards
The Public Officer may determine that the dwelling is unfit
for human habitation if he finds that conditions exist in such
dwelling which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety
or morals of the occupants of such dwelling, the occupants of
can be made
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neighboring dwellings or other residents of the City. Such
conditions may include the following (without limiting the
generality of the foregoing): Defects increasing -the hazards
of .fire, accidents or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation,
light or sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural
defents, uncleanliness. Additional standards to guide the Public
Officer, or his agents, in determining the fitness of a dwelling
for human habitation are hereinafter "set forth in Chapters 111 and
IV.
103-L Service
Complaints or orders issued by the Public Officer pursuant
to this code shall be served upon persons either personally or
by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such person is
unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the. Public Officer in
the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the Public Officer shall
make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of such complaint
or order upon such persons may be made by publication pursuant
to Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 424. A copy of such
complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on
the premises affected by the complaint or order and shall be
recorded in the office of the County Clerk of the county wherein
the dwelling is located.
1.03.5 Appeals
Any person affected by an order issued by the Public Officer
may appeal from -said order in accordance with the provisions of
Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 80.
.103.6 Requirements not Covered by Code
Any requirement, not specifically covered by this cide, found
necessary for the safety, health, and general.welfare of the occupants
of any dwelling, shall be determined by the Building Inspector
subject to appeal as provided by law.
103.7 Liability
Any officer or employee charged with the enforcement of this
Code, in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render
himself liable personally, and he is hereby relieved from all personal
liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property
as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of
his duties. Any suit brought against any officer or employee
because of this Code shall be defended by the Department of Law
until the final termination of the proceedings.
103.8 Reports
The Building Inspector shall annually submit a report to the
City Manager covering the work of the department during the preceding
year. He shall incorporate in said report a summary of the
decisions of cases appealed during said year.
103.9 Violations and Penalties
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision
of this ordinance shall be fined not less than $10.00 nor more
than $50.00 or may be imprisoned in the city ,jail for not
more than thirty (30) days, or both, and a separete offense
shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a
violation occurs or continues.
CHAPTER 11 - DEFINITIONS
201.1
Unless the content otherwise requires, words used in
this code have the following meanings.
ALTER OR ALTERATION: Any change or modification in
construction or occupancy.
APARTMENT: A room or a suite of rooms occupied, or which
is intended or designed to be occupied as the home or residence
of one individual,_ family or household, for housekeeping purposes.
:APARTMENT HOUSE: Any building, or portion thereof, which
is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be
occupied, or which is occupied as the home or residence of more
than two families living independently of each other and doing
their own cooking in the said building, and shall include flats
and apartments.
APPLICABLE COVERNIhO BODY: A city, county, or state agency
or -other political government subdivision or entity authorized
to administer and enforce the provisions of this code.
APPROVED: Approved by the Building Official.
AREA: As applied to the dimensions of a building, means
the maximum horizontal projected area of the building at grade.
AREA: (See Floor Area)
ATTIC STORY: Any story situated wholly or partly in the
roof, so designated, arranged or built as to be used for business,
storage or habitation.
BASEMENT: That portion of a building between floor and ceiling,
which is partly below and partly above grade (as defined in this
Section), but so located that the vertical distance from grade
to the floor below is less than the vertical distance from grade
to the ceiling, provided, howeverm that the distance from grade
to ceiling shall be at least four (4) feet six inches. (See STORY).
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BUILDING: Same as DWELLING.
BUILDING INSPECTOR: The Chief Building Inspector of the City
of Paducah, or his authorized representatives.
BUILDING 09FICIAL: The officer, or other person, charged
with the administration and enforcement of this Ordinance or his
duly authorized representative.
CELLAR: That portion of a building, the ceiling of which is
entirely below grade or less than four (4) feet six (6) inches
above grade. (See STORY).
DILAPIDATED DWELLINGS OR STRUCTURES: A dwelling, dwelling
unit, multiple dwelling, apartment, apartment house, including
among others garages, sheds and similar accessory structures,
which by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
absolescence or abandonment are unsafe, unsanitary, or which
constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human
life and are no longer adequate for the purpose for which they
were originally intended. It is the intent of this definition
to include any and all structures as may legally come within the
scope of the definition of structure as set forth in this section.
DWELLING: Any building, or structure, or part thereof, used
and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and
includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or
usually enjoyed therewith.
DWELLING UNIT: Any room or group of rooms located within
a dwelling and forming a single habitable unit with facilities
which are used or intended to be used, for living, sleeping,
cooking and eating.
EXIT CORRIDOR: Any corridor or passageway used as an
integral part of the exit system. That portion of a corridor or
passageway which exceeds the allowable distance of travel to an
exit, becomes as exit corridor or passageway.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY: An enclosed hallway or corridor connecting
a required exit to a street.
EXTERMINATION: The control and elimination of insects,
rodents, or other pests by eliminating their harborage places;
by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as
their food; by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping; or by
any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved
by the Building Official.
FAMILY: One or more persons living together, whether related
to each other by birth or not, and having common housekeeping facilities.
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FIRE CHIEF: The Chief of the Paducah Fire Department or
his authorized representative.
FLOOR AREA: The area included within surrounding walls of
a building exclusive or vent shafts and courts.
GARBAGE: The animal and vegetable waste resulting from
the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
GRADE: With reference to a building means, when the curb
level has been established, the mean elevation of the curb level
opposite those walls that are located on, or parallel with and
within fifteen (15) feet of street lines; or, when the curb
level has not been established, or all the walls of the building
are more than fifteen (15) feet from street lines, GRADE means
the average of the finished ground level at the center of all
walls of a building.
HABITABLE ROOM: A room occupied by one or more persons
for living, eating or sleeping purposes. It does not include
toilets, laundries, serving and storage pantries, corridors,
cellars and spaces.that are not used frequently or during
extended periods.
HEALTH OFFICERS: The Health Officer or the administrator
of the Paducah -McCracken County Health Department, or their
authorized representatives.
HEATING: The definitions following under this paragraph
shall apply to heating installations:
CENTRAL HEATING BOILERS Ah D FURNACES: Heating furnaces
and boilers shall include warm air furnaces, floor mounted direct -
fired unit heaters, hot water boilers, and steam boilers operated
at not in excess of 15 pounds of gauge pressure, used for heating
of buildings or structures.
CHIMNEY: A vertical shaft of masonry, reinforced concrete,
or other approved non-combustible, heat resisting material
enclosing one or more flues, for the purpose of removing products
of combustion from solids, liquid, or Ras fuel.
FLUE: A vertical passageway for products of combustion.
VEST PIPE: As applied to heating, means a pipe for
removing products of combustion from gas appliances.
WATER HEATER: A device for the heating and storage of
water to be used for other than heating or industrial purposes.
INFESTATION: The presence, within or around a dwelling,
of any insects, rodents, or other pests.
INNER COURT: An open unoccupied space bounded by the walls
of the building, but located within the exterior walls of the building.
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LESSEE: Any person by written contract or lease or by any
week to week or month to month tenancy agreement shall have the
right to occupy a dwelling or dwelling unit.
MULTIPLE DWELLING: (Same as APARTMENT HOUSE)
NUISANCE: A public nuisance as known at common law or
in equity. Anything that is dangerous to human life or health,
in, under, over, around or about a dwelling or dwelling unit
or that renders the air or human food or drink therein unwholesome;
and anv dwelling or dwelling unit, or part thereof, that is not
sufficiently supported, ventilated, drained, cleaned or lighted
are also nuisances.
OCCUPANT: Any person, over 1 year of age, living, sleeping,
cooking, or eating in, or having actual possession of a dwelling
unit or rooming unit.
OPERATOR: Any person why has charge, care, or control of
a building, or part thereof, in which dwelling units or rooming
units are let.
OWNER: Anv Derson. who. along or iointly. or severallv.
with others:
(a) Shall have legal title to any dwelling unit, with or
without accompanying actual possession thereof, or
(b) Is a mortgagee of record, or
(c) Shall have charge, care or control of any dwelling
or dwelling unit, as owner or agent of the owner, or as executor
or executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee, guardian
or fiduciary of the estate of the owner. Any such person
thus representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply
with the provisions of this code imposed upon the owner.
PSRTIES IN INTEREST: All indivuduals, associations and
corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling and any
who are in possession thereof.
PERSON: A natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators,
fiduciaries, committees, or assigns, and also includes a firm,
partnership, or corporation, its or their successors or assigns,
or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
PHYSICAL VALUE: The actual cost of replacement of a building
or structure with similar materials erected in a like manner to
the original construction.
PLUMBING: Plumbing is the practice, materials and fixtures
used in the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration
of all piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in
connection with any of the following: Sanitary drainage or
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storm drainage facilities, the ventinrr system and the public
or private water -supply systems, within or adjacent to any
building, structure, or conveyance; also the practice and
materials used in the installation, maintenance, extension, or
alteration of storm -water, liquid waste, or sewerage, and
water -supply systems of anv premises to their connection with
any point of public disposal of other acceptable terminal.
PUBLIC AREAS: As used in this code, means an unoccupied
open space adjoining a building and on the same property, that
is permanently maintained accessible to the Fire Department
and free of all encumbrances that might interfere with its use
by the Fire Department:
PUBLIC AUTHORITY: Any housing Commission or any officer
who is in charge of any department or branch of the government
of the City, County or State relating to health, fire, building
regulations or to other activities concerning dwellings in the City.
PUBLIC OFFICER: When referred to herein, shall mean the
officer or officers who are authorized by this ordinance to
exercise the powers prescribed by the ordinance, and can
be the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, Health Officer, Plumbing
Inspector or their authorized representatives and/or a person
designated or appointed for the express purpose, by the Mayor
or City Manager, with the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
REPAIR: The replacement of existing work with the same
kind of material used in the existing work, not including
additional work that would change the structural safety of the
building, or that would affect or change required exit facilities,
a vital element of an elevator, plumbing, gas piping, wiring or
heating installations, or that would be in violation of a
provision of law or ordinance. The term "Repair" or "Repairs"
shall not apply to any change of construction.
REQUIRED: Required by some provision of this Code.
RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY: Buildings in which families or
households live or in which sleeping accommodations are provided, and
all dormitories, shall be classified as "Residential Occupancy".
Such buildings include, among others, the following: dwellings,
multiple dwellings, and lodging houses.
rOOMING U11IT: Any room or group of rooms forming a single
habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping,
but not for cooking or eating purposes.
ROOMING HOUSE: Any dwelling, or that part of any dwelling
containing one or more rooming units, in which space is let
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by the owner or operator to three or more persons who are not
husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father, or sister or
brother of the owner or operator.
RUBBISH: Conbustible and non-conbustible waste materials,
except garbage; and the term shall include the residue from
the burning of wood, coal, coke, and other conbustible material,
paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood excelsior, rubber, leather,
tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter,
glass crockery, and dusio..
RUBBISH STORAGE FACILITIES AND GARBAGE STORAGE FACILITIES:
Outside containers in which rubbish and garbage are temporarily
stored for collection.
STAIRWAY: One or more flights of stairs and the necessart
landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous
and uninterrupted passage from one story to another in a building
or structure.
STORY: That portion of a building included between the
upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor
next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion
of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost
floot and the seiling or roof above.
STRUCTURE: That which is built or constructed, an edifice
or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built
up or composed of parts .joined together in some definite manner.
The term "structure" shall be construed as if followed by the
words "or part thereof".
SUBSTANDARD DWELLING OR STRUCTURE: A dwelling, dwelling
unit, multiple dwelling, apartment, apartment house or any
other space used or intended to be used as a habitable living
space in any building or structure which does not meet the basic
minimum requirements of this code for such use.
SUPPLIED: Paid for, furnished, or provided by or under the
control of the owner or operator.
TEMPORARY HOUSING: Any tent, trailer or other structure
used for human shelter which is designed to be transportable
and which is not attached to the ground, to any other structure, or any
utility system on the same premises for more than thirty (30)
consecutive days.
CHAPTER III
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR DWELLINGS AND
APARTMENTS T FOR HUMAN HABITATIOIV
SECTION 301 GENERAL
301.1
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All dwellings and apartments shall provide for a health
environment with living facilities arranged and equipped to assure
such a condition.
Under this chapter appear the fundamental Code requirements
which shall be observed in determining the fitness of a dwelling
for human habitation.
$01.2 Certificate of Occupancy
No person shall occupy as owner -occupant or let to another
for occupancy, any vacant dwelling, dwelling unit, apartment or
any space designed or intended to be used for the purpose of
living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein which does not comply
with the requirements of this Code and for which a valid certificate
of Occupancy has not been issued.
SECTION 302 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMEINT
Every dwelling shall contain not less than the following:
(a) Each dwelling unit shall be connected to a portable water
supply and to the public sewer or other approved sewerage disposal system.
(b) Each dwelling unit shall contain not less than a kitchen
sink, lavatory, tub or shower and a water closet, all in good
working condition and installed in accordance with the Adopted
Plumbing Code.
(c) All plumbing fixtures shall meet the standards of the
Adopted Plumbing Code and shall be in a state of good repair and
.in good working order.
(d) All required plumbing fixtures shall be located within
the dwelling unit and be accessible to the occupants of same. The
water closet, and tub or shower shall be located in a room or rooms
affording privacy to the user.
(e) Every dwelling unit shall have connected to the kitchen
sink, lavatory, and tub or shower an adequate supply of both cold
water and hot water. All water shall be supplied through an approved
pipe distribution system connected to a potable water supply.
(f) All hot water heating appliances shall be installed
according to the Plumbing Code adopted by the Applicable Governing
Body and shall be capable of supplying a continuous source of hot
water, on demand, to all the required fixtures at a temperature of
not less than 120° Fahrenheit.
SECTION 303 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHT AND VENTILATIO14
No person shall occupy as owner -occupant or let to another for
occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit, for the purpose of living
therein, which does not comply with the following requirements:
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03 3.1
Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight
facing directly to the outdoors. The minimum total window area,
measured between stops, for. every habitable room shall be 10 per
cent of the floor area of such room. Whenever walls or other portions
of structures face a window of any such room and such light -obstruction
structures are located less than 5 feet from the window and
extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such a
window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors and
shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total
window area. Whenever the only window in a room is a skylight -type
window in the top of such room, the total window area of such sky-
light shall equal at least 15 per cent of the total floor area of
such room.
303.2 Habitable Rooms
Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight
which can easily be opened, or such other device as will adequately
ventilate the room. The total of openable window area in every
habitable room shall equal to at least 45 per cent of the minimum
window area size or minimum skylight -type window size, as required,
or shall have other approved, equivalent ventilation.
303.3 Bathroom and Water Closet Rooms
Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall comply with
the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms except
that no window or skylight shall be required in adequately ventilated
bathrooms and water closet rooms equipped with an approved ventilation
system which is kept in continuous operation.
303.4 Electric Service
Every dwelling and dwelling unit shall be wired for electric
lights and convenience receptacles which shall be installed according
to the adopted Electrical Code of the Applicable Governing Body.
Each habitable room shall contain at least two (2) wall -type
convenience outlets or.one (1) such convenience outlet and one
ceiling -type fixture with wall switch. Every bathroom, water closet
room, laundry room and furnace room shall be supplied one ceiling
or wall -type electric light fixture and one well -type convenience outlet.
Every public hall and stariway in every mutliple dwelling shall
be adeq.uatel}, lighted by electric lights at all times when natural
daylight is not sufficient.
SECTION 304 MINIMUM REQUIREMEIM FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
204.1 General
All fixtures, receptacles, equipment and wiring shall be
maintained in a state of good repair, safe, capable of being used
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and installed in accordance with the adopted Electrical Coed of the
Applicable Governing Body.
Where the determination is. made, upon examination of the
existing electrical service supply, that such electrical service
supply is obsolete or is being used in such manner as would constitute
a hazard to the occupants or would otherwise constitute a hazard
to life. -and property, the following shall be used as a guide for
determining the potential use and adequacy of such service supply:
Gross Area of Minimum Capacity of
Habitable Space Service Supply
0 - 600 Sq. ft 60 amp service
601 ? 1000 sq. ft 100 amp service
1001 - 1500 sq. ft 150 amp service
1501 - over 200 amp service
SECTION 305 MINIMUM REQUIREMEi�TS FOR HEATING
305.1 General
Every dwelling unit shall have provisions for providing heat
in accordance with Section 305.2 or Section 305.3.
305-2 Central and Electrical Heating Systems
Every central or electric heating system shall be of sufficient
capacity si as to heat each dwelling unit to which it is connected
with a minimum temperature of 70° F. measured at a point 3 feet
above the floor during ordinary minimum winter conditions.
305.3 Other Heating Facilities
Where a central or electric heating system is not provided, each
dwelling unit shall be provided with sufficient fireplaces, chimneys,
flues, or gas vents whereby heating appliances may be connected
so as to furnish a minimum temperature of 70° F. measured at a
point three feet above the floor during ordinary minimum winter
conditions.
05.4 Installation and Maintenance
Heating• appliances and facilities shall be installed in
accordance with the Building Code and shall be maintained in a safe
and good working condition.
SECTION 306 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LIACE_,_ USE AhD LOCATIOIvS
30 .1 General
No person shall occupy or shall let to another for occupancy
any dwelling, rooming house, dwelling unit, or rooming unit which
does not comply with the following minimum standards for space,
use and location:
306.2 Dwelling Unit
Every dwelling unit shall contain at least one hundred and fifty
square feet of habitable floor area for the first occupant, at least
one hundred square feet of additional habitable floor area for each
of the next three occupants, and at least seventy-five square feet
of additional habitable floor area for each additional occupant.
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306.3 Rooms Occupied for Sleeping Purposes
In every dwelling unit and in every rooming unit, every room
occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at
least seventy square feet of floor area, and every room occupied
for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at
least fifty square feet of floor area for each occupant twelve
years of age and over and at least thirty-five square feet of
floor area for each occupant under twelve years of age.
306-4 Floor Area Calculation
Floor area shall be calculated on the basis of habitable room
area. However, closet area -and hall area within the dwelling unit,
where provided, may count for not more than ten per cent of the
required habitable floor area. At least one-half of the floor area
of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least
seven feet; and the floor area of any part of any room where the
ceiling height is less than four and one-half feet shall not be
considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor
area of the room to determine maximum permissible occupancy.
306.5 Occupant
For the purposes of this section a person under one year of
age shall not be counted as an occupant.
306.6 Cellar
No cellar shall be used for living purposes.
306.7 Basement
No basement shall be used for living purposes unless:
(a) The floor and walls are substantially water light;
(b) The total window area, total openable area and ceiling
height are equal to those required for habitable rooms;
(c) The required minimum window area of every habitable room
is entirely above the grade adjoining such window area, not
including stair wells or access ways.
SECTION 307 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SAFE AND SANITARY I4AINMAACE
307.1 General
No person shall occupy as Owner -occupant or shall let to another
for occupancy any dwelling, rooming house, dwelling unit, or rooming
unit which does not comply with the following minimum standards
for safe and sanitary maintenance:
307.2 Exterior Foundation, Walls and Roofs
Every foundation wall, exterior wall and exterior roof shall
be substantially weathertight, watertight, and rodent proof; all
exterior walls shall be made inpervious to the adverse effects
of weather by periodic application of paint or a similar protective
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coating and shall be kept in a sound condition and good repair.
All foundation walls and exterior roofs shall be maintained in a
safe manner and -capable of supporting the loads which normal use
may cause to be placed thereon.
307.3 Interior Floor, Walls and Ceilings
Every floor, interior wall and ceiling shall be substantially
rodent proof; shall be kept in sound condition and good repair; and
shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the load which normal
use may cause to be placed thereon.
307.4 Windows and Doors
Every window, exterior door and basement or cellar door and
hatchway shall be substantially weathertight, watertight and rodent
proof; and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
307.5 Stairs, Porches and Appurtenances
Every inside and outside stair, porch, and any appurtenance
thereto shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the load
that normal use may cause to be placed thereon; and shall be kept
in sound condition and good repair.
307.6 Bathroom Floors
Every bathroom floor surface and water closet compartment
floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be
substantially impervious to water and so as to permit such floor
to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
307.7 Supplied Facilities
Every supplied facility, piece of equipment or utility, which is
required under this Code shall be so constructed and installed that
it will function safely and effectively, and shall be maintained
in sound working condition.
307.8 Drainage
Every yard shall be properly graded so as to obtain thorough
drainage and so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
307.9 Egress
Every dwelling unit shall be provided with means od egress
as required by the Building Code.
SECTION 308 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CONTROL OF INSECTS, RODENT;
INFESTATIONS.
308.1 Screens
In every dwelling unit, for protection against mosquitoes,
flies, and other insects, every door opening directly from a
dwelling unit to outdoor space shall have supplied and installed
screens and a self-closing device; and every window or other
device with openings to outdoor space, used or intended to be used
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for ventilation, shall likewise be supplied with screens installed.
308.2 Rodent Control
Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used
for ventilation, and every other opening to a basement which might
provide an entry for rodents, shall be supplied with screems installed
or such other approved device as will effectively prevent their entrance.
308.3 Infestation
Every occupancy of a dwelling containing a single dwelling
unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects,
rodents, or other pests therein or on the premises; and every occupant
of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one dwelling
unit shall be responsible for such extermination whenever his
dwelling unit is the only one infested. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this sub -section, whenever infestation
is caused by failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a rat
proof or reasonably insect proof condition, extermination shall
be the responsibility of the owner. Whenever infestation exists
in two or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling, or in the
shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two or more
dwelling units, extermination thereof shall be the responsibility
of the owner.
SECTION 309 RUBBISH AND GARBAGE
302.1 Rubbish
Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with adequate rubbish
storage facilities.
309.2 Garbage
Every dwelling unit shall have adequate gargage disposal
facilities or garbage storage containers, having a capacity of not
more than 30 gallons each container.
SECTION 310 RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS
310.1 Public Areas
Every owner of a dwelling containing two or more dwelling
units shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary
condition the shared or public areas of the dwelling and premises
thereof.
310.2 Dwelling Unit
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in
a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling, dwelling
unit, and premises thereof which he occupies and controls.
310.3 Garbage
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall dispose of
all his garbage, and any other organic waste which might provide
food for ordents, in a clean and sanitary manner, by placing it in
the garbage disposal facilities or garbage storage containers. In
all cases the occupants shall be responsible for the availability
of garbage storage containers.
310.4. Rubbish
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall dispose
of all his rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in
the rubbish storage facilities. In all cases the owner shall be
responsible for the availability of rubbish storage facilities.
.5 Extermination
See Section 30$.3 --Infestation.
310.6 Plumbing Fixtures
Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall keep all plumbing
fixtures therein in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be
rexiponsible for the exercise of reasonable care in the proper
use and operation thereof.
310.7 Care of Facilities, Equipment and Structure
No occupant shall willfully destroy, deface or impair any of
the facilities, equipment or any part of the structure of a
dwelling unit, dwelling, multi -dwelling or apartment.
10.$ Care of Premises
It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a residential
building, structure or property to utilize the premises of such
residential property for the open storage of any abandoned motor
vehicle, ice box, refrigerator, stove, glass, building materials,
building rubbish or similar items. It shall be the duty and
responsibility of every such owner or occupant to keep the premises
of such residential property clean and to remove from the premises
all such abandoned items, as listed above, including but not limited
to weeds, dead trees, trash, garbage, etc., upon notice from the
Building Official.
Note: (For the purposes of this section, an abandoned motor
vehicle is defined as one that is in a state of disrepair and
incapable of being moved under its own power.)
CHAPTER IV - ROOMING HOUSES
SECTION 401 GENERAL
No building or structure of wood frame construction in excess
of two and one-half (2j) stories in height or in excess of 7,000
square feet in floor area shall be used as a Rooming House.
4.01.1 Certificate of Occupancy Required
No building or structure classified as a "Residential Occupancy",
as defined in Section 201.1, shall be used, in whole or in part,
as a Rooming House until a Certificate of Occupancy for such use has
been issued by the Building Inspector.
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401.2 Minimum Sanitary Facilities Required
Each "Residential Occupancy", as hereinbefore defined, designed
or intended to be used as a Rooming House shall contain the following
sanitary facilities and equipment:
Bath Tubs
[Vater Closets Urinals Lavatories or Showers
Male 1 for each 10 1 for each 25 1 for each 12 1 for each 8
persons persons persons persons
Female 1 for each 8 The installation 1 for each 1 for each 8
persons of female 12 persons persons
urinals shall
be optional.
401.3 Light and Ventilation
The minimum requirements for light and ventilation as set
forth in Section 303•and 304 shall apply to any Residential Occupancy
used or intended to be used as a Rooming House.
401.4 Room Occupancy Requirements
The minimum standards for space, use and occupancy as set
forth in Section 306.3 shall apply to any Residential Occupancy
used or intended to be used as a Rooming House.
401.5 Egress Requirements
Every Residential Occupancy used or intended to be used as a
Rooming House shall be provided with means of egress as required
by the Building Code adopted by the Applicable Governing Body.
CHAPTER V - VALIDITY AND EFFECT
SECTION 501
The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. If any
sentence, clause or section or part of this Ordinance or the
application thereof to any particular state of case is for any
reason found to be unconstitutional, illegal or invalid, such
unconstitutionality, illegality or invalidity shall not affect or
repeal any of the remaining provisions, sentences, clauses or
sections or parts of this Ordinance, it being the legislative
intent of this body to ordain and enact each provision, paragraph,
sentence, and part hereof separately and independently of each other.
SECTION 502.
Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to affect any
suit or proceeding now pending in any court, or any rights
acquired or liability incurred, nor any cause or causes of action
accrued or existing, under any act or ordinance repealed
hereby. Nor shall any right or remedy of any character be lost,
impaired or affected by this ordinance.
SECTION 503
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in force at the time
that this ordinance shall take effect and inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed.
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SECTION 504
This ordinance is not intended to and does not amend, after
or repeal the Building, Health or Fire Code of the City of Paducah.
SECTION 505
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to counteract,
contravene or avoid any requirement that the owners of improved
real estate in the city shall, within twelve months from the time
of completion of anv sanitary or combined storn and sanitary sewers,
connect the improvements thereon to such sewer where sewer service
is available, contained in an Ordinance pert -:A ning to such
requirement adopted by the General Council of the City of
February 23, 1927, and amended on January 20, 1959, by the Board
of Commissioners of the City.
SECTION 506
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption
and publication.
Mayor
Passed by the Board of Commissioners December 6, 1966
Recorded by Sarah Thurman, City Clerk, December 6, 1966.