Chapter 156 Property Maintenance Code (PDF) - Louisville Metro ...

maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected
from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather coating materials, such as paint or
similar surface treatment
(M) 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. Any alteration, modification, addition or replacement of a
handrail or guard shall be in conformity with the applicable state building code requirements. Every exterior flight of
stairs having more than four risers, and every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony, which is more than 30 inches
(762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) and
no more than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor
of the landing, walking surfaces or grade. Guards shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) high above the floor of
the landing, balcony or grade.
(N) Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition,
good repair and weather tight.
(1) Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.
(2) Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of
being held in position by window hardware.
(O) Doors.
(1) All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all
entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guestrooms shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress
doors shall be in accordance with § 156.201.
(2) Double cylinder dead bolts requiring a key operation on both sides are prohibited on required means of
egress. Key operation is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the key cannot be removed when the door is locked
from the side from which egress is to be made.
(P) Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain
and surface drainage water. This section does not apply to basement apartments as long as they are in full compliance
with all other sections of this chapter.
(Q) Guards for basement windows. Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent
shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents. This section does not apply to
basement apartments as long as they are in full compliance with all other sections of this chapter.
(R) Abandoned or dangerous sign. A premises may not have on site an abandoned permanent or temporary sign
or a dangerous sign. A permanent, temporary or outdoor advertising sign is deemed abandoned when the sign
advertises an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted or available on the premises on which the sign
is located or on the premises referred to in the off-premise business sign. A temporary sign is deemed abandoned
when the sign has not been removed within ten days after the event advertised on such sign has taken place. A sign is
deemed dangerous when it becomes insecure, unsafe, dilapidated, or in danger of failing or collapsing, or when it
constitutes a fire hazard or otherwise endangers human life or the public welfare; or when it is deemed unsafe by
reason of illegal or improper use or maintenance.
(Jeff. Ord. 37-2002, adopted and effective 11-12-2002; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 215-2003, approved 12-15-2003;
Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 162-2004, approved 10-28-2004; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 125-2007, approved 7-2-2007)
§ 156.054 INTERIOR STRUCTURE.
(A) General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally
sound and in a sanitary condition. Occupants shall keep that part of the structure, which they occupy or control, in a
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