17.14.270 Minimum maintenance standards for yards.
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A. Accessory structures. Accessory structures, including detached garages, sheds, decks, patios and similar structures, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
B. Building permit expiration. Where there has been a cessation of construction activity on any structure for more than two years, the structure shall be deemed in violation of the code and shall be abated by demolition or completion of the construction to meet the requirements of the building code.
C. Catastrophic or fire damaged premises. Where a building is damaged by fire or other catastrophic loss, the damaged building and site shall be secured from entry within forty-eight (48) hours and debris must be removed and properly discarded within ten (10) days of the fire department’ s release of the property.
D. Child traps. Refrigerators, freezers, or iceboxes with unlocked and attached doors, or similar container which may endanger public safety, shall be removed or secured.
E. Composting. Composting within the City of Vancouver shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Acceptable compost materials: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and egg shells may be composted. Yard waste may be composted so long as yard waste does not include grass clippings or hedge or tree trimmings greater than ¼ inch in diameter. All composted materials must be generated from the site on which the compost is located. Individuals may add commercially available ingredients specifically designed to speed or enhance decomposition.
2. Prohibited compost materials: Unshredded branches or logs, meat, bones, fat, oil, whole eggs, dairy products, weeds heavily laden with seeds, plastics, synthetic fibers, human or pet wastes, diseased plants or any other garbage or refuse shall not be composted.
3. Composting method. Materials shall be contained in a bin or composted in a manner that provides for rapid and odorless composting.
4. Location of composting structures. Compost structures shall be placed in the rear yard of a property in such a location as to avoid off-site impacts.
5. Compost management. Persons who compost according to the requirements of this section shall use standard compost practices, which include providing adequate air circulation to prevent combustion and objectionable odors to adjacent properties. Composting that results in objectionable odors or includes prohibited material, or both, is prohibited by this code.
F. Dangerous holes. Open holes which may endanger public safety shall be abated, filled, sealed or removed. Holes wider than twelve (12) inches and deeper than twenty-four (24) inches, with a slope of 2 (horizontal):1 (vertical) or greater and that have the capability of retaining water, are presumptively dangerous to public safety. Holes which may endanger the public safety include, but are not limited to, wells, cisterns, open cesspools, septic tanks, excavations, in-ground swimming pools no longer in use, or open foundations.
G. Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private premises or upon the dwelling unit of another tenant.
H. Fences, walls, and retaining walls. Fences, walls, and retaining walls shall be maintained in a structurally sound and sanitary condition so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.
I. Firewood. The outdoor storage of useable firewood is permitted, provided the firewood is neatly stacked and is stacked in such a manner as not to be visible in the front yard, and where applicable, the side yard visible from the street. Firewood shall be cut to lengths that fit the approved on site fireplace or wood stove. Useable firewood, as used in this section, means firewood that has more wood than rot and is not chemically treated or painted. This requirement shall not apply to lumber products used for agricultural purposes. This requirement shall also not apply to other recognized seasonal uses such as holiday decorations, provided the lumber is neatly stacked and is removed at the end of the season.
J. Grading, drainage and storm water. Exterior properties shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of water on the premises. Storm water, including discharge from gutters, downspouts, swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, sump pumps or similar features shall not discharge water off the source premise unless expressly approved by the City of Vancouver.
K. Open storage. Open storage is prohibited on premises except:
1. As expressly permitted in VMC Title 20.
2. Open storage does not include items customarily used in association with the permitted principal use of the property and suitable for outdoor use such as lawn furniture, play equipment, gardening equipment, and similar items;
3. Open storage does not include construction materials or seasonal materials used for gardening that are stored in a manner to protect their utility and prevent deterioration and are reasonably expected to be used at the site within six (6) months.
L. Rodent or insect harborage. Premises shall be kept free from rodent, insect and vermin harborage and/or infestation as determined by the county health officer. Infestations shall be promptly exterminated by methods that ensure the public’s health, safety and welfare. Owners shall take preventive measures to protect buildings and premises from future infestations.
M. Sidewalks and driveways. Sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas on private property shall be maintained free from hazardous conditions and in compliance with approved site or plot plans and barrier free accessible parking requirements.
N. Swimming pools. Swimming pools and swimming pool barriers shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition, and in good repair.
O. Hazard trees. Any hazard tree shall be removed from property or maintained in such a way that it does not threaten persons or property.
P. Vacant structures. All vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health.
Q. Weeds, grass and vegetation. Premises shall be maintained free from uncontrolled or uncultivated noxious weeds, brush, berry vines, poison oak/ivy, and grasses or plant growth in excess of 12 inches from ground level, including the areas adjacent to alleyways and between the sidewalk and the curb.
1. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the growth of berry vines or grasses that are grown and used for agricultural, gardening, commercial or landscape cultivation purposes.
2. In critical areas and buffers, the standards of VMC 20.740 also apply. (Ord. M-4165 §11, 2016; Ord. M-4079 §42, 2014; Ord. M-3844 §5, 2007; Ord. M-3702 §5, 2005; Ord. M-3637 §1, 2003)