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Property Maintenance Code Checklist

As homes age, routine maintenance plays a vital role in maintaining property values. The following checklist will help guide you through an inspection of your property. Correction of necessary repairs you have detected will help maintain a clean, safe and desirable living environment.

EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS

Sanitation

  • Accumulation of litter, garbage or waste

Grading/Drainage

  • Areas of erosion
  • Low areas allowing ponding of stagnant water
  • Discharging storm water directly on public sidewalks, streets or neighboring property

Sidewalks/Driveways

  • Significant cracks in pavement
  • Broken areas
  • Uneven slabs creating a possible trip hazard

Weeds

  • Weeds or tall grass growth greater than 8" in height

Accessory Structures: Fences, detached garages, sheds, retaining walls

  • Structurally sound
  • Peeling or flaking paint
  • Rusting surfaces
  • Missing or unsecured components

Street Numbers

  • Visible from street and at least 3" in height

Exterior - General

  • Peeling, flaking paint
  • Exterior finishes with holes/breaks
  • Deterioration
  • Missing or unsecured components

Foundation Walls

  • Cracks/breaks
  • Tuckpointing

Windows and Doors

  • Glass with cracks and breaks
  • Trim with deterioration
  • Peeling and flaking paint

Roofs

  • Loose shingles
  • Worn, missing or unsecured roofing materials
  • Flashing
  • Fascia & soffits

Drainage

  • Gutters and downspouts with disconnected, unsecured and missing sections
  • Guttering with an accumulation of leaves

Chimneys

  • Tuckpointing
  • Plumb

Porches/Decks

  • Handrails and guardrails
  • Stairways
  • Flooring
  • Structural members

INTERIOR OF STRUCTURE

Structural Members

  • Deteriorated or unsecured components
  • Excessive notching of joists

Life Safety

  • Smoke detectors in sleeping areas and on each floor level

Interior Surfaces

  • Peeling paint
  • Cracked or loose plaster
  • Defective surfaces

Sanitary

  • Accumulation of rubbish or garbage

Stairs, Railings, Handrails, Guardrails

  • Deteriorated or unsecured components

Windows and Doors

  • Tight fitting, weatherproof
  • Easily opened
  • Hardware

Heating Facilities

  • Capable of maintaining a room temperature of 65 degree Fahrenheit
  • Accumulation of debris around furnace
  • Proper flue installation

Electrical System

  • Adequately sized
  • Switches and outlets - working order, cover plates
  • Lighting fixtures - working order, secure
  • Loose or frayed wires
  • Extension cords used in lieu of permanent wiring

Plumbing System

  • Plumbing fixtures - working order, free of obstructions and leaks, properly installed
  • Water heater properly installed and in working order
  • Sanitary drainage system in working order

REMEMBER...

  • Some repairs require building permits, such as structural repairs or renovation of existing space involving plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations.
  • Information about which repairs or code corrections require a permit is available from the Department of Public Works. Call (314) 615-5184 for details.
  • Reoccupancy permits are required in Property Conservation Districts.
  • Information about applying for a permit or about district locations is available from the Department of Public Works.

This checklist is not intended to include all maintenance items you may need to address, but it is intended to be your guide through an exterior inspection of your property.

Helpful Numbers

Residential areas:

North of Highway 40, please call (314) 615-7333.
South of Highway 40, please call (314) 615-4151.

Commercial areas: (314) 615-3724