Homeowner Guide to Neighbor Complaints
Homeowner Guide to Neighbor Complaints/Ordinances
If you need assistance with a neighbor for any of the items listed below follow the link at the bottom to submit a service request.
If you are unsure if the issue/complaint falls under one of the categories, submit a service request and the department will follow up with you, if you have given your contact details.
Sec. 7-4-54. - Accumulation of Rubbish or Garbage.
Exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
Sec. 7-4-10. – Sanitation
Exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property that such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.
Sec. 7-3-35. - Structure Unfit for Human Occupancy.
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this Code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
Sec. 8-3-2. - Building Maintenance and Appearance.
Buildings, fences, and other structures that have been so poorly maintained that their physical condition and appearance detract from the surrounding neighborhood are declared to be public nuisances because they are unsightly, decrease adjoining landowners' and occupants' enjoyment of their property and neighborhood, and adversely affect property values and neighborhood patterns.
(b)
Standards. A building, fence, or other structure constitutes a public nuisance if it satisfies any of the following criteria:
(1)
Any part of any exterior surface has deterioration, holes, breaks, gaps, loose or rotting boards or timbers.
(2)
Any exterior surface that has had a surface finish such as paint applied is not maintained in order to avoid noticeable deterioration of the finish. Any wall or other exterior surface that has peeling, cracked, chipped or otherwise deteriorated surface finish on more than 25 percent of:
a.
Any one wall or other flat surface; or
b.
All door and window moldings, eaves, gutters and similar projections on any one side or surface.
(3)
Glass, including windows and exterior light fixtures, are broken or cracked, or screens are torn or separated from moldings.
(4)
Exterior doors and shutters are not hung properly and do not have an operable mechanism to keep them securely shut or in place.
(5)
Cornices, moldings, lintels, sills, bay or dormer windows, and similar projections are not kept in good repair and are not free from cracks and defects that make them hazardous or unsightly.
(6)
Roof surfaces are not tight and have defects that admit water. All roof drainage systems are not secured and hung properly.
(7)
Chimneys, antennae, air vents, and other similar projections are not structurally sound and are not in good repair. These projections are not secured properly, where applicable, to an exterior wall or exterior roof.
(8)
Foundations are not structurally sound and are in bad repair.
What Can You Do?
Visit our City of Rochester Service Request Webpage
If you have not done so, register for an account. Once you have an account, you can keep track of your open service requests, correspond with the department, add photos, add additional comments to the department. If you do not have an account, you are entering as anonymous, and the department has no way to correspond with you in regard to your service request.