City of Tigard
To initiate or to resolve a complaint or to refer a possible violation of the Housing Code,
fill out the Housing
Enforcement Compliance Inquiry Form or call the City of Tigard Housing Inspector at 503-639-4171, x2426. |
|
Housing Code
Property Maintenance Regulations
Summary
Effective May 3, 1999, Tigard instituted Property Maintenance Regulations which are commonly
referred to as the "Housing Code." The purpose of the Code is:
- to protect the quality of life enjoyed by all Tigard residents
- to protect the investment in property made by owner/occupants and owner/investors
- to maintain the desirability of Tigard as a community in which to live, work, and shop
To do this, the Code is designed to prevent deterioration of Tigard’s housing
stock by establishing minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities, sanitation, fire safety,
and maintenance. To be fair to everyone, the Code applies to all residential properties in the City
of Tigard that are not otherwise regulated by State or Federal authorities.
This page summarizes some, but not all, of the maintenance standards and the enforcement provisions
of the Housing Code. Please refer to the complete regulations for specific details:
Tigard Municipal Code 14.16.
It is important that tenants, landlords, and owner/occupants understand that:
- The Code will be enforced and inspections performed only when a complaint
or referral is received.
- Anonymous complaints will not be accepted, although a complainant’s name
will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by the Oregon Public Records Law.
- Except in emergencies or in serious safety, habitability, or sanitation
situations, the City will generally not get involved until after the tenant or complainant has
communicated with the landlord or owner and provided an opportunity for them to resolve the issue.
- Even after a complaint has been received it may be possible to avoid
the formal inspection, citation, summons, and fine process if the City can readily contact the
landlord/owner by phone, secure agreement to have the repair done or the issue resolved, and then
confirm by phone with both tenant and landlord that the matter has been resolved. To this end,
owners and managers of rental property are encouraged to register their names, phone numbers,
and addresses with the Building Division to facilitate the informal resolution of complaints
through this "self-certification" process.
Forms for registering rental units and copies of the complete Property Maintenance
Regulations are available at Tigard City Hall or by calling the Housing Inspector at 503-639-4171, x2426.
To initiate or to resolve a complaint or to refer a possible violation of the Housing Code, call the Housing
Inspector at 503-639-4171, x2426.
Specific Provisions: See the complete regulations (Tigard Municipal Code 14.16) for requirements for hotels, apartment houses, social
care facilities, etc.
- Address Numbers - conspicuously posted on all buildings and readable from the street or public way.
- Accessory Structures – (garages, sheds, etc.) maintained structurally safe and sound.
- Roofs - structurally sound; admit no rain; drainage must prevent rainwater causing dampness in walls or interior.
- Chimneys - adequately supported, unobstructed, admitting no noxious gases.
- Foundations and Structure - free of rot or crumbling elements; no deterioration that would impair ability to carry required loads.
- Exterior Walls and Exposed Surfaces - free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards; properly painted or protected from weather.
- Stairs and Porches - safe to use, able to support expected loads, in sound condition and good repair.
- Handrails and Guardrails - firmly fastened, in good condition, capable of supporting expected loads; handrails on stairs of more than three risers, guardrails on drop of over 30 inches; of approved dimensions (see regulations.)
- Windows - at least one window to the exterior in every habitable room or approved artificial lighting and ventilation; weather-tight, in sound condition, no open cracks or holes; windows required for ventilation or escape capable of being opened and held open. (See regulations for specifics.)
- Doors – at least one door to the exterior or an approved exit from each dwelling unit; all exterior doors openable without a key from inside and protected with a lock from outside; doors and hardware in good working condition.
- Interior Walls, Floors, and Ceilings – structurally safe and sound, free of holes or peeling/flaking material; kitchen and bath floors substantially impervious to water; all spaces reasonably free from dampness.
- Insects and Rodents – free from insect or rodent infestation; promptly exterminated when found and preventive measures taken.
- Cleanliness and Sanitation - interiors free of garbage or rubbish accumulation.
- Bathroom Facilities – a toilet in a room separate from habitable rooms and allowing privacy; a lavatory basin; a bathtub or shower allowing privacy.
- Kitchen Facilities – a kitchen sink (other than the lavatory basin); approved service connections for refrigeration and cooking.
- Plumbing Facilities – every device properly connected to public or approved private water and sewer systems; all required sinks, basins, tubs, and showers supplied with both hot and cold running water; water heating facilities in place and operating properly; all fixtures in good working order, free from obstructions, leaks, and defects.
- Heating – a heating facility capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 (F) degrees without portable heating devices.
- Electrical System – properly connected to an approved electric power source; every outlet and fixture maintained and safely connected to an approved electrical system; no hazard from inadequate service, improper fusing, wiring, or installation, deterioration, or damage. (See regulations for specifics.)
- Overcrowding - maximum occupancy: one plus one additional resident for every 150 square feet of habitable room area.
- Emergency Exits – every sleeping room to have at least one window or exterior door approved for emergency escape or rescue; required exits free of encumbrance or obstruction; escape doors, windows, and devices in good working order.
- Smoke Alarms and Detectors - required as at construction or at minimum in the immediate vicinity of sleeping rooms and on every story of habitable space, including basements and attics; all alarms and detectors fully operable and with charged batteries. (See regulations for specifics.)
- Hazardous Materials – free of friable asbestos, toxic chemicals, dangerous levels of hazardous materials; any paint used to be lead-free.
- Swimming Pools – safely enclosed by a structure, by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing and locking gates, or by a wall at least 4 feet high.
|
