Okaloosa County BOCC — October 6, 2015 — Proposed Property Maintenance Standards — reading text

Proposed Property Maintenance Standards 1. All improved portions of properties shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil onto properties not owned by the owner of the property (receiving property) which is the source of the erosion without the receiving property owner’s permission, and to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon. The prohibition on the accumulation of water shall not apply to stormwater treatment facilities or naturally occurring bodies of water. 2. No property shall be improved, nor shall any structure, building, parking lot, roof overhang, or other development be designed, constructed, or maintained, so as to cause the discharge of stormwater across or over any property line onto properties (receiving properties) not owned by the owner of the property which is the source of the discharge unless such discharge is part of an approved stormwater management or drainage system (e.g. ditches, swales, retention pond, etc.), or the receiving property owner has granted permission. 3. Erosion control measures (e.g. silt fence, hay bales, etc) shall be used to control potential erosion caused by land clearing activities adjacent to water bodies including ditches, stormwater conveyance systems, ponds, creeks, streams, branches, rivers, lakes, bayous, or bays. Any such erosion control shall be erected and maintained so as to prevent the escape of silt and soil materials into adjacent water bodies. The installation of erosion control measures shall not be required for home gardening, flower beds, or minor land clearing activities incidental to residential uses provided, however, that no shall sediments be allowed to discharge into ditches, stormwater conveyance systems, ponds, creeks, streams, branches, rivers, lakes, bayous, or bays from such exempt clearing activities. 4. All structures, including but not limited to buildings, decks, docks, and walls, shall be maintained in accordance with the codes under which they were constructed. Improvement of buildings requiring the replacement of structural components shall adhere to the Florida Building Code. Stairways, decks, docks, porches, and balconies shall be maintained in structurally sound condition with proper anchorage and capable of supporting intended imposed loads. Handrails and guards shall be structurally sound, firmly fastened, and capable of supporting normally imposed loads. 5. The exterior of a building shall be maintained in good repair. All exterior cladding, siding, masonry, roofing or other exterior treatment shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight, as shall the joints between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, skylights, vents, and other openings. Except to the extent that such is part of a building exterior’s weather resistance, it is not the intent of this criterion to regulate the paint, stucco, or other exterior treatments (i.e. for aesthetic purposes). 6. All exterior doors, door assemblies, and hardware, including gates associated with fences, shall be maintained in accordance with installation instructions and in operable condition. 7. All sanitary sewer plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected to an approved system (public or private sewer, septic tank, other approved on-site treatment and disposal system). Every plumbing stack, vent, waste, and sewer line shall function properly and be kept free of leaks, obstructions, or defects. 8. All electrical fixtures including smoke detectors shall be maintained in a safe and sound manner so as to not constitute a hazard to the structure or its occupants due to damage or deterioration, improper fusing, insufficient or improper receptacle and lighting outlets, improper wiring or installation, inadequate service, or other reasons. 9. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if provided) systems shall be maintained in a safe and sound manner so as not to constitute a hazard to a structure or its occupants. 10. Landscaping installed pursuant to an approved development order shall be maintained so that it remains in compliance with the Land Development Code. 11. Vegetation shall not be allowed to encroach from any improved property onto or over the paved area of any public or private road between a height of one foot (1’) and twenty feet (20'), nor shall vegetation encroach onto or over a designated sidewalk or bike path between a height of one foot (1') and eight feet (8'). 12. All buildings shall be secure against unlawful entry. Broken windows or doors shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the Florida Building Code; plywood or other durable covering may be used to temporarily secure broken windows or doors for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days. This prohibition shall not apply to the use of plywood, aluminum panels, or similar materials used to protect windows against tropical storms or hurricanes provided such materials are removed no later than fourteen (14) days following the end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season unless there is a storm system of tropical depression strength or greater in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico in which case such protective measures may remain in place. This prohibition shall not apply to lawfully installed storm protection systems (storm shutters, awnings, etc) which may remain in a secure, closed condition regardless of season at the property owner’s discretion. 13. Swimming pools shall be maintained in a structurally sound, functional, clean, and sanitary condition (no leaks, algal growth, mosquito larvae, etc.). 14. Swimming pool barriers shall be maintained in a functional and remain in place at all times.