Section 12-G304. EXTERIOR STRUCTURE

 

Insert new Section 304.2.1 in the Property Maintenance Code to read as follows:

 

304.2.1 Elimination of peeling, flaking and chipped paint; pre-1978 structures.  In structures, including building components, built before 1978,  peeling, flaking and chipped paint covered by Section 304.2 shall be eliminated in accordance with the work practice standards for renovations set forth in regulations governing lead-based paint promulgated, or as may be promulgated, by the District’s Department of the Environment (DDOE) or the federal Environmental Protection Agency, including, but not limited to, 40 C.F.R. § 745.85 (7-1-12 edition) and in conformance with all pertinent lead abatement requirements in D.C. Official Code §§ 8-231.01 et seq. (2012 Repl. & 2013 Supp.), including all pertinent implementing regulations.

 

Exceptions:

 

1. Structures and building components built in 1978 or later; or

 

2. Where all components containing deteriorated paint (as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 745.63) have been tested in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 745.82(a) (7-1-12 edition) and are documented to be exempt from lead-safe work practice requirements. 

 

Strike Section 304.3 of the International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and insert new Section 304.3 to the Property Maintenance Code in its place to read as follows.

 

304.3 Premises identification. Each premises, including buildings and structures, to which a street number has been assigned shall have the number displayed in conformance with the requirements specified in 12 DCMR A Section 118.  The owner of a premises shall obtain a street number assignment, as applicable, pursuant to Section 118, Addresses of Premises, of 12 DCMR A.  The minimum size of a street number shall be 3 inches (76 mm) high and 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide and shall be in Arabic figures on a contrasting background.

 

304.3.1 Main entrance location.

 

304.3.1.1 The assigned street number shall be located directly over or near the main entrance in a position easily observed and readable from the opposite side of a public thoroughfare.

304.3.1.2 Multi-tenant buildings having separate exterior entrances with separate numbers shall post the assigned street number near each entrance in accordance with this section.

304.3.1.3 In addition to posting the street number of the building or other structure in a position easily observed and readable from the opposite side of the public thoroughfare serving that entrance, the owner of a building or other structure located on a lot where the main entrance is not located at and fronting on a public thoroughfare, shall post the street number directly above or near the main entrance.

 

304.3.2 Rear entrance location.  If the rear of a premises, to which a street number has been assigned,  faces a street or public thoroughfare accessible to the public, the owner shall also place the street number of the main entrance in a position easily observed and readable from the public thoroughfare serving the rear of that premises.

 

304.3.3 Construction Sites location. Street numbers shall be posted at construction sites in a position easily observed and readable from any public thoroughfare serving the construction site.

 

304.3.4 Private Thoroughfare.  The owner of a private thoroughfare shall provide standard street signs in compliance with Sections 118.14.1, 118.14.3 and 118.14.4 of 12 DCMR A.  The owner of a building, premises, or structure located on a private thoroughfare shall comply with the street number display provisions of Section 304.3; provided, the street number need not be readable from a public thoroughfare if, under the circumstances, this requirement would be impracticable and the approved street numbers are placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the private thoroughfare fronting the property.

 

Strike Section 304.7 of the International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and insert new Section 304.7 to the Property Maintenance Code in its place to read as follows.

 

304.7 Roofs and drainage.  The roof and flashing shall be sound and tight and shall 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.

 

304.7.1 Storm drainage.  Storm water shall drain into a separate storm sewer system, or a combined sewer system, or to an approved place of disposal. 

 

304.7.2 Grading.  The yard or area at the premises shall be graded so that all storm drainage flows freely from all parts of the premises into an inlet or place of disposal that complies with Section 304.7.1, and so that the drainage shall flow away from any building on the premises.

 

304.7.3 Water accumulation.  Yard spaces and other areas appurtenant to a residential building shall be graded to avoid the accumulation of water.

Strike Section 304.11 in the International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and insert new Section 304.11, to the Property Maintenance Code in its place to read as follows:

 

304.11 Chimneys and towers.  All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks and similar appurtenances shall be 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.

 

304.11.1 Unused openings. Unused openings in chimneys shall be closed.

 

304.11.2 Flue openings. All flue openings in chimneys shall be supplied with flue crocks, and metal or masonry thimbles.

 

Strike Section 304.14 of the International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and insert new Section 304.14 in its place to read as follows:

 

304.14 Insect screens.  During the period from March 15 to November 15 of each year, every door, window and other outside opening required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas, or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored, shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of minimum 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25 mm) and every screen door used for insect control shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.

 

Exception:  Screens shall not be required where other approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellent fans, are employed.

 

Strike Section 304.18.3 of the International Property Maintenance Code in its entirety and insert new Section 304.18.3 in its place to read as follows:

304.18.3 Basement hatchways. Basement hatchways that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.  Each basement hatchway shall be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain or surface drainage water into the dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit.

 

 

authority

Section 10 of the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 (Act), effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1409 (2012 Repl.)) and Mayor’s Order 2009-22, dated February 25, 2009, as amended.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 3196 (March 28, 2014 – Part 2); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 61 DCR 5246 (May 23, 2014).

EditorNote

The District of Columbia Property Maintenance Code (2013), referred to as the “Property Maintenance Code,” consists of the 2012 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the District of Columbia Property Maintenance Code Supplement (2013) (12 DCMR G). The International Property Maintenance Code is copyrighted by the ICC and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ipmc/2012/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2012-000006&bu2=IC-P-2012-000019.