Chapter 156 – Housing Code

15. Equipment Rooms. Boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, and electrical panel rooms shall not be used for the storage of combustible material or equipment. A minimum three-foot clearance shall be maintained in front of electrical panels and disconnects. 16. Pest Extermination. Whenever infestation exists in two or more dwelling units or rooming units of any dwelling or in the shared or public parts of any dwelling containing two or more dwelling units or more than one rooming unit, the extermination thereof shall be the responsibility of the owner. 17. Fire Protection. All fire extinguishing devices and all early warning fire protection systems shall be maintained in good working condition at all times. All fire protection equipment and early warning equipment shall be maintained in compliance with the Uniform Fire Code, the State Fire Code, the Tiffin Fire Code, and subsections 156.18(3) and (4) of this chapter. Buildings which are required to have an automatic fire alarm system shall have that alarm system tested annually by a qualified alarm technician to certify that the alarm system is in compliance with the current standard of N.F.P.A. 72. Buildings which are required to have an automatic sprinkling system shall have that system tested biennially by a qualified sprinkler system technician to certify that the system is in compliance with the current standard of N.F.P.A. Chapter 25, as amended. 18. Address Numbers. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the public way fronting the property, and from the vehicle access area if vehicle access is from other than the front of the building. Said numbers and letters shall contrast with their background and shall be a minimum of four inches in height. Where access to or within a multi-family structure or any area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving and firefighting purposes, a key box shall be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be a type approved by the Fire Chief and shall contain keys and/or access codes necessary to gain access. If applicable, a key switch may be installed in an approved location. 19. Guardrails and Handrails. All guardrails and handrails shall be maintained in a safe and sound condition at all times. Guardrails shall be provided where there is an abrupt elevation change exceeding 30 inches adjacent to pedestrian areas. Guardrails and handrails which are newly installed or replaced shall comply with the Uniform Building Code. 20. Sealed Passages. All pipe passages, chutes, and similar openings through walls, floors, or ceilings shall be adequately closed or sealed to prevent the spread of fire or the passage of vermin. 21. Trees and Plant Materials. All trees and plant materials shall be maintained in a manner which prevents damage or decay to a structure. Trees required by the Tiffin Tree Ordinance shall be maintained. 22. Clean Units. No owner or operator shall permit occupancy of any vacant dwelling unit or rooming unit unless it is clean, safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupancy. 23. Exterior Area Maintenance. A. Every owner or operator shall be responsible for maintaining the exterior areas in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition. B. Every fence shall be maintained in a good state of repair and shall comply with the Tiffin Zoning Ordinance. 24. Solid Waste Facilities. Every owner of a dwelling or rental structure shall supply adequate facilities for the disposal of solid waste which are approved by the inspector and/or are in compliance with the Tiffin Solid Waste Ordinance.