Section 305. Exterior Sanitary Maintenance – General
305.1 General.
All lots and exterior premises, including abutting sidewalks, gutters, and alleys, must be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
305.2 Grass and weeds.
305.2.1 "Weeds" defined.
In this section, "weeds" includes all plants and vegetation other than:
1. trees or shrubs, or
2. cultivated flowers and gardens.
305.2.2 Maintenance requirements.
All abutting sidewalks, gutters, and alleys must be maintained free of grass, weeds, or plant growth in excess of 4 inches (102 mm). All other premises and exterior property must be maintained free of grass, weeds, or plant growth in excess of 8 inches (203 mm). All noxious weeds are prohibited.
305.3 Trees and shrubbery.
All trees and shrubbery that are dangerous to life and property or that create a fire or traffic hazard must be pruned or removed to eliminate the danger or hazard.
305.4 Pest control.
All exterior property areas must be kept free from infestation by insects, rodents, and other pests, from rodent harborage, and from the conditions that attract pests. Where pests are found, they must be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health.
305.5 Motor vehicles and trailers.
Except only as otherwise expressly authorized by law, the following rules apply to all motor vehicles and trailers.
1. No motor vehicle or trailer may be parked, kept, or stored, whether or not covered, on any exterior premises if:
a. it is inoperative, unregistered, or fails to display current registration tags, or
b. it is in a state of disassembly or disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.
2. A motor vehicle or trailer may be parked, kept, or stored only on a dustless all-weather surface constructed and maintained in accordance with the Baltimore City Building Code and Baltimore City Zoning Code.
3. Painting a motor vehicle or trailer is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.
Exception: On premises with a proper use permit, a vehicle may undergo overhaul, including body work, if that work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for that purpose.
305.5.1 Registered owner responsible.
For a motor vehicle or trailer parked, kept, or stored in violation of § 305.5(1) or (2), the registered owner of the motor vehicle or trailer is responsible for the violation, jointly and severally with the property owner.
305.6 Swimming pools.
Swimming pools must be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
305.7 Outdoor storage.
Outdoor storage must be neat and orderly. All stored objects and materials must be elevated at least 1 foot off the ground to prevent rat harborage, unless elevation is determined unnecessary by the Commissioner.
305.7.1 Caveat.
Nothing in this section authorizes any outdoor storage that is otherwise prohibited by law.
305.8 Placement outdoors of upholstered furniture.
No person may place, use, keep, store, or maintain any upholstered furniture not manufactured for outdoor use, including, for example, any upholstered chair, sofa, or couch, or any mattress, in any outside area located:
1. in any front, side, or rear yard, or
2. on any covered or uncovered porch, patio, or deck located in or adjoining any front, side, or rear yard.
305.9 Snow and ice on sidewalks.
After any snowfall that results in an accumulation of snow or ice on the ground, the snow and ice must be removed and cleared away from all sidewalks that abut the premises.
305.9.1 Time for compliance.
The snow and ice must be removed and cleared away:
1. within 6 hours after the snow has stopped falling; or
2. if the snow stopped falling between 3 p.m. and 6 a.m., before 11 a.m.
305.9.2 Manner of compliance.
The snow and ice must be removed and cleared away in a manner that:
1. leaves a clear path that is at least 2 feet wide; and
2. does not obstruct the passage of water in the gutters.