Building Code Summary
Introduction - The following outlines the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Eaton, Ohio. this is a partial list of requirements. Specific questions should be directed to the City. We realize that property upkeep costs money-but isn't it worth it to spend a little on preventative measures that save a lot on major repairs? After all, your property is probably your biggest investment. Please use this checklist to evaluate your property. We appreciate your compliance with these important community regulations. If you have questions or comments, please call us at (937) 456-7155 or (937) 456-4125. We're happy to discuss specifics with you.
Maintenance Checklist - The exteriors of all properties in the City of Eaton should be structurally sound and free of nuisances, unsanitary conditions and hazards, to ensure the safety of occupants, pedestrians and others and to help protect property values. It is the property owner's and/or the occupant's responsibility to comply with the Property Maintenance Code:
Refuse - Properties should be free of broken glass, stumps, garbage, and other debris. Every occupant shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean, sanitary and approved container.
Natural Growth and Weeds - Dead trees and limbs or other natural growth that is rotting should be removed. Vines, grasses, rank vegetation and noxious weeds, any of which that are 8 inches or more in height, should be cut down.
Landscaping - Properties should be maintained, with lawns, hedges and bushes kept from becoming overgrown or decayed. Grass may not exceed a height of 8 inches. Tree limbs near sidewalks should dip no lower than 8 feet from the ground. Overhanging branches may be trimmed back to the property line.
Yard Waste - All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 8 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees, or shrubs provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Foundation Walls and Basements - They should be structurally sound, free from defects and damage, and capable of bearing loads safely. Basements should be sound and maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, wood-boring insects, rain or water runoff.
Chimney, Flues, Vents and Attachments - These features must be maintained to be structurally sound, free from defects, and capable of performing the functions for which they were originally designed.
General Maintenance - The exterior walls, trim, doors and window casings of every structure and accessory building should be structurally sound and kept painted and/or coated to prevent decay. Paint should be lead-free. Exteriors should be free of broken or unusable windows, crumbling stone or brick, peeling paint or other conditions that reflect deterioration.
Roof, Gutters and Downspouts - Roofs should be maintained to be free of leaks and rot. Drainage should be collected in suitable downspouts, which may discharge into splash blocks or other devices, provided that no excess water flows into adjoining properties or over sidewalks. Downspouts should be free of clogs and rust. Connecting any pipe that carries roof water or yard drainage to a sanitary sewer is prohibited.
Porches, Foundations and Exterior Walls - They should be sound; the porch, guardrails, handrails and porch stairs should be safe and without rot.
Sidewalks and Driveways - All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
Fences, Walls and other Non-residential Exterior Structures - Accessories such as fences, walls, signs, etc., should be maintained, firmly anchored, with painted and/or protected surfaces to prevent decay and hazard.
Motor Vehicles - No inoperative, unlicensed or abandoned motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth. Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.
Trailers - No trailer when loaded with trash, garbage, junk, debris, or damaged/inoperable vehicles shall be parked, except in a totally enclosed building, for a period longer than seven days.
Semi-Trailers - No semi-trailer shall be used for any type of storage facility or for the display of signs or banners. Exception: Semi-trailers for storage may be parked on construction job sites, but shall be removed upon completion of the project.
Required Permits - The City of Eaton requires permits for certain projects, structures and activities. Below is a list of items requiring permits. Please contact the City of Eaton for details about each permit.
In addition to this list, permits may be required from the County or State. Please check with those offices first.
Freedom from Infestation - All areas of properties should be maintained to prevent infestation from rodents and insects.
Home Occupations - Generally, office related home occupations that do not change the appearance of the residential property or increase traffic on the street are permitted, but please contact the City first about the proposed home occupation.