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For the purposes of this chapter, any dwelling, building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects described in this section shall be deemed to be an unfit dwelling, building or structure; provided, that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property or safety of the public is endangered. Each itemized defect listed in this chapter is considered a distinct code violation for the purpose of enforcement action under VMC Title 22.

A. Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit is not of sufficient width or size or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.

B. Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit is so warped, worn, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.

C. Whenever the stress in any materials, member or portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads, is more than one and one half times the working stress or stresses allowed in the Building Code for new dwellings, buildings or structures of similar structure, purpose or location.

D. Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood or by any other cause, to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of the Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or location.

F. Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance thereof is likely to fail, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.

G. Whenever any portion of a dwelling, building or structure, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of one half of that specified in the Building Code for new dwellings, buildings or structures of similar structure, purpose or location without exceeding the working stresses permitted in the Building Code for such buildings.

H. Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new construction.

I. Whenever the dwelling, building or structure, or any portion thereof, is likely to partially or completely collapse because of:

1. dilapidation, deterioration or decay;

2. faulty construction;

3. the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such dwelling, building or structure;

4. the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation; or

5. any other cause.

J. Whenever, for any reason, the dwelling, building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is being used.

K. Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural members list, lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one third of the base.

L. Whenever the dwelling, building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows 33 percent or more damage or deterioration of its supporting member or members, or 50 percent damage or deterioration of its non-supporting members, enclosing or outside walls or coverings.

M. Whenever the dwelling, building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become:

1. an attractive nuisance to children; or so as to

2. enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing unlawful acts, including but not limited to, trespass or unlawful burning.

N. Whenever any dwelling, building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such dwelling, building or structure provided by the Building Code, any other ordinance of the city or any laws of the state of Washington relating to the condition, location or structure of dwellings, buildings or structures.

O. Whenever any dwelling, building or structure which, whether or not erected in accordance with all applicable laws and ordinances, has in any non-supporting part, member or portion less than 50 percent, or in any supporting part, member or portion less than 66 percent of the:

1. strength;

2. fire-resisting qualities or characteristics, or

3. weather-resisting qualities or characteristics required by law in the case of a newly constructed dwelling, building or structure of like area, height and occupancy in the same location.

P. Whenever a dwelling, building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined by the health officer to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.

Q. Whenever any dwelling, building or structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration, damage, inadequate exits, lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, faulty electric wiring, gas connections or heating apparatus, or other cause, is determined by the fire marshal to be a fire hazard.

R. Whenever any portion of a dwelling, building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of the dwelling, building or structure or whenever any dwelling, building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of six months so as to constitute such dwelling, building or structure or portion thereof an attractive nuisance to children or a hazard to the public.

S. Whenever any dwelling, building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence. (Ord. M-4407 § 7, 2023; Ord. M-4047 § 6, 2013)