Know Your Code Series

2024

January – Roofs and Gutters

158.18 EXTERIOR STRUCTURE.

(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.

Please ensure your gutters are clean so to prevent ice dams from building thereby causing roof damage and leaks during the winter.

February – Heating

158.35 HEATING FACILITIES.

(B)       Residential occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided with non-portable heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms based on the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality indicated in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J. Cooking appliances shall not be used, nor shall any type/style of portable space heater be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of this Section.

Space heaters are permitted but only as a supplemental heat source only. See tips below.

Space Heater Tips;

Verify that your space heater has a working safety light, automatic shut-off switch or tip-over shut-off device.

Keep all objects, combustible material, people and pets at least 3-feet away from the space heater.

Never use a space heater in your bathroom. Water and electric appliances don’t mix.

March – Vehicles

158.16(I)(1) MOTOR AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.

          Placement. Except as provided for by another code or regulation of the City of West Carrollton, Ohio. No person shall park, keep, store or allow to remain outdoors on any premises, property or city owned property a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle that:

(a) is inoperable, unregistered, or not displaying a license plate that is current and properly titled to said vehicle; or

(b) is missing parts so as to prohibit said vehicle from legally operating on any public street, road, drive, avenue, alley, highway, public throughway or private drive; or

(c) is in a state of major disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled; or

(d) is being painted or undergoing major repair or body work; or

(e) is covered or tarped; or

(f) meets any of the criteria noted in (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) above while remaining on an open trailer, truck or other vehicle.

April – Weeds

158.16 (D) WEEDS

• Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free of weeds in excess of eight inches (8”) in height or length. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. For the purposes of this Section, weeds shall be as defined in Section 158.14. For the purposes of this Section, noxious weeds shall be the same as currently defined in Section 901:5-37-01 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
• The Chief Code Enforcement Officer, or his/her designee shall annually, cause a notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City, stating that weeds and noxious weeds are growing on lands within the limits of the City. Such notice shall not be required to describe the lands or to specify the name of the owner of such property. However, such notice shall constitute notice to any owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of any land upon which weeds and noxious weeds are grown and that the same must be cut and destroyed within five (5) calendar days after such publication. Such notice shall further specify that weeds and noxious weeds shall be cut every subsequent time the height exceeds eight (8”) inches thereafter without further notice or publication in order to prevent spreading, maturing of weeds and noxious weeds. Such notice shall be published one time in order to constitute notice hereafter.

When any person being the owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of the lands mentioned in subsection (1) hereof, fails to comply with the notice set forth in subsection (2) hereof, the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, or his/her designee is hereby authorized to cause such weeds and noxious weeds to be cut and destroyed. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer, or his/her designee may call upon any department, or division of the City, or by private contract for whatever assistance may be necessary to cause such weeds and noxious weeds to be cut and destroyed. All expense incurred shall, when approved by the City Manager, be paid out of any money in the City Treasury not otherwise appropriated.

May- Trees and Shrubs

158.16 (E)(1) and (11)(b)(i) – Trees and shrubs within private and public areas

Purpose. It is the policy of the City to regulate and control the planting, removal, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs in the public area: to eliminate and guard against dangerous conditions which may result in injuries to persons on private property and in public areas of the City; to promote and enhance the beauty of the City; to prevent damage to any utility, street, sidewalk, or other public or private property; to protect trees and shrubs located in public and private areas from undesirable and unsafe planting, removal, maintenance, and protection practices; and to guard all trees and shrubs within the City against the spread of disease or pest. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all trees and shrubs planted in or upon public areas and private premises which shall endanger the life, health or safety of persons or property using public areas of the City and private premises.

All trees, vegetation and shrubs, on public or private property which have branches overhanging a public street or alley shall have said branches trimmed to a clearance height of fourteen (14’) feet from the road surface; all trees, vegetation and shrubs, on public or private property, which have branches overhanging a public sidewalk, shall have said branches trimmed to a clearance height of eight (8’) feet from the surface of said sidewalk; all trees, vegetation and shrubs encroaching public streets, alleys and/or sidewalks shall be horizontally trimmed back eighteen (18”) inches from said street, alley and/or sidewalk. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer, or his/her designee may waive the provisions of this section for newly planted trees if he/her determines they do not interfere public travel, obstruct the light of any street light, or endanger public safety. Trees and/or shrubs in violation of this Section shall be declared a public nuisance and shall be abated as provided for herein.