Property Maintenance
In 2006 the City Council appointed a Community Betterment Task Force Committee to evaluate current City codes as they relate to property maintenance. On January 15, 2007 the following sections were published and officially in effect
Sec 21-100 (a)
- Building Maintenance
- Every building shall be maintained to be weather and water tight, and free from excessively peeling paint or other conditions suggestive of deterioration or inadequate maintenance. Exterior surfaces shall not have any holes or broken glass; loose, cracked, or damaged shingles or siding; or other defects in exterior finish which admit rain, cold air, dampness, rodents, insects, or vermin.
Sec 21-100 (b)
- Exterior Finishes
- Materials and practices used on exterior surfaces shall be of standard quality and appearance. Polystyrene board, Tyvek, and insulation board are not acceptable permanent finishes.
Sec 21-100 (c)
- Ground Cover
- All non-farm property shall establish a permanent cover of perennial grasses or ornamental ground cover as soon as practical after any construction, and to thereafter maintain same in such condition as to substantially bind the surface of the soil and prevent erosion, whether by sheet or gullying, or by wind or water. Acceptable ground cover shall also include permanent paving and structures as approved by city codes
Sec 21-100 (d)
- Fences and Retaining Walls
- All fences and retaining walls shall be structurally sound and free of leaning or loose elements or portions that may be considered deteriorating.
Sec 21-100 (e)
- Piles
- Mud, dirt, gravel, or other debris or matter, whether organic or inorganic, deposited in a quantity judged by an enforcement officer to be a threat to public safety or to cause pollution, obstruction, or siltation of draining systems, or to violate solid waste disposal regulations shall be prohibited.
Sec 21-100 (f)
- Roofs and Drainage
- Roofing construction must be of standard permanent materials. 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 water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
Sec 21-100 (g)
- Handrails and Guards
- Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
Sec 21-100 (h)
- Doors
- All exterior doors, door assemblies, and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units, and guest rooms shall tightly secure the door.
Copies of the Marshalltown Municipal Code are available for examination at the City Clerk's Office or Public Library. Click here to connect to the Code of Ordinances on this site.