MINIMUM CONDITIONS

Jacksonville Ordinance Code tit. XIV, ch. 518, pt. 4, subpt. B

in effect

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.411 Applicability.

Sec. 518.411. - Applicability. The provisions of this Subpart shall govern the minimum conditions of property. Every building or structure, shall comply with the general requirements contained in this Subpart. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.412 Maintenance.

Sec. 518.412. - Maintenance. All properties, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this Chapter in a property when erected, altered or repaired shall be maintained in good working order. The owner or his agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and premises to the extent set out in this Chapter. The tenant shall be responsible for the maintenance of properties to the extent set out in this Chapter. (a) Maintenance of property. Every foundation, roof, floor, exterior and interior wall, ceiling, inside and outside stairs, porch and appurtenance thereto shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon; and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. A piece, part or attachment of a structure which is so insecurely fixed as to be in danger of falling or being dislodged by the elements so that it may injure a person or property shall be properly secured, removed or replaced. Every inside and outside stair or step shall have uniform risers and uniform treads. (b) Maintenance of facilities and equipment. Every plumbing fixture and pipe, every chimney, flue and smoke pipe and every other facility, piece of equipment or utility which is present in a property or which is required by Chapter shall be constructed, installed and maintained in conformity with the appropriate laws of the City and the State. (c) Cleanliness and sanitation. All structural facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition by the occupant so as not to breed insects and rodents or produce dangerous or offensive gases or odors. Flaking, lifting or peeling paint and other defective or deteriorated wall, ceiling or floor covering materials shall be removed. Defective, deteriorated or unsanitary walls, ceilings or floors shall be restored to a condition which will permit them to be maintained in a sanitary condition. (d) Plumbing fixtures. In properties used for human occupancy, water lines, plumbing fixtures, vents and drains shall be properly installed, connected and maintained in working order, shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and shall be capable of performing the function for which they are designed. Water supply inlets to fixtures shall be installed and maintained in such a manner that back flow or cross connection will not be possible. Repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with the Building Chapter. (e) Plumbing systems. In properties used for human occupancy, every plumbing stack and every water, waste and sewer line shall be so installed and maintained as to function properly and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects to prevent structural deterioration or health hazards. Cross connections between two or more water supplies are prohibited, unless the Duval County Public Health Unit has certified the water supplies involved to be of good, potable quality. All repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with the Building Chapter. (f) Heating equipment. Every space-heating, cooking and water-heating device located in a property shall be properly installed, connected and maintained and shall be capable of performing the function for which it was designed. (g) Venting of heating equipment. Every combustion-type space heating and waterheating device located in a property shall either be vented to the outside atmosphere in an approved manner, or if of an approved unvented design, be equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensing System (ODS) designed to shut off the unit before the oxygen level in the room goes below 18 percent. (h) Electrical outlets and fixtures. Every electrical outlet and fixture, as required in this Chapter, shall be installed, maintained and connected to the source of electric power. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.413 Sanitation.

Sec. 518.413. - Sanitation. (a) Residential. All exterior property areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of trash, rubbish, garbage or other refuse. The premises of residential property shall not be used for open storage of such items as stoves, glass, building material, building rubbish, junk vehicles, or junk or derelict property. It shall also be the duty and responsibility of every owner or occupant, as applicable, to remove dead trees from the premises. (b) Commercial. The exterior property areas of properties regulated by this Chapter shall be kept free of all nuisances, and any hazards to the safety of occupants, customers, pedestrians and other persons utilizing the premises, and free of unsanitary conditions, and any of the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner or operator. It shall be the duty of the owner or operator to keep the premises free of hazards which include but are not limited to the following: (1) Brush, weeds, broken glass and accumulations of filth, garbage, trash, refuse, debris and inoperative machinery; (2) Dead and dying trees and limbs; (3) Loose and overhanging objects which by reason of location above ground level constitute a danger of falling on persons or personal property in the vicinity thereof; (4) Holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, and excretions of pets and other animals on walks, driveways, parking lots and parking areas, and other parts of the premises which are accessible to or used by persons on the premises; (5) Sources of infestation by insects or rodents; (6) Existing walkways and steps of concrete or other suitable paving materials shall be provided and maintained in safe condition for access; and (7) No portion of a public sidewalk, alley or street shall be obstructed by any means or used for the storage or display of goods, material or equipment so as to constitute a nuisance as defined herein and in no case without a permit issued by the Municipal Code Compliance Division. Such permit shall be waived for government recognized public events. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1; Ord. 98-496-E, § 2)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.414 Animal facilities.

Sec. 518.414. - Animal facilities. The proximity of animal facilities on the property shall be as required by the Zoning Code. Animals and pets shall not be kept in a property or on a premises in such a manner as to create an unsanitary condition or to constitute a public nuisance. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.415 Accessory structures and fences.

Sec. 518.415. - Accessory structures and fences. (a) Accessory structures. Accessory structures existing or provided by the owner, agent or occupant on the premises of a property shall be structurally sound and be maintained in good repair or the structures shall be removed from the premises. The exterior of the structures shall be made weather-resistant through the use of decay-resistant materials or the use of paint or other preservatives. (b) Fences. All fences on property covered by this Chapter shall be kept in good repair, free from accident hazards, and shall be protected by paint, preservative or other weather-resistant material. Fences constructed of noncorrosive metals or decay-resistant species of wood such as cypress and cedar are not required to be painted. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.416 Stacking of materials.

Sec. 518.416. - Stacking of materials. In the event that occupancy usages result in temporary stacking or piling of materials, the materials shall be so arranged as to prohibit the creation of a rodent or insect harborage area. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.417 Plumbing facilities exterior.

Sec. 518.417. - Plumbing facilities exterior. Every plumbing fixture, water pipe, waste pipe and drain in, to or from an accessory structure or elsewhere on the premises shall be maintained in a sanitary and mechanically sound working condition. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.418 Septic tanks, grease traps and excavations.

Sec. 518.418. - Septic tanks, grease traps and excavations. Every septic tank, grease trap or similar installation shall be maintained in a sound condition and shall, at all times, be covered in an approved manner. Similarly, no open hole, pit, tank or excavation of any kind shall be permitted to exist unless it is protected in an approved manner. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.419 Foundation, walls and roof.

Sec. 518.419. - Foundation, walls and roof. Every property shall have a foundation, floor, enclosing walls and roof, all soundly constructed. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a good state of repair and shall be kept in such condition as to exclude rodents and rain or dampness. (a) Foundations. The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points. (b) Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other condition which might admit rodents, rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the property. (c) Roof. The roof shall be structurally sound and tight and shall have no defects which might admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building. Tarpaulin or other similar temporary coverings may be used to provide temporary weatherization of a structure for a time period not to exceed 30 days, except during times of a natural disaster as declared by any local, State or federal government or during an emergency as declared by the Chief. A tarpaulin that is used after a declared natural disaster or emergency shall be allowed to remain in place for a period not to exceed six months, if such tarpaulin is maintained in good condition. The Chief may approve one six-month extension upon a showing of good cause. (d) Stairs and porches. Every outside stair, every porch and every appurtenance attached thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. (e) Handrails. Structurally sound handrails shall be provided on steps containing five risers or more. If the steps are not enclosed, handrails and balusters spaced approximately six inches apart shall be provided. Porches or balconies located more than three feet higher than the adjacent area shall have structurally sound protective handrails approximately 36 inches high and, if the porch or balcony is unenclosed, balusters spaced approximately six inches apart shall also be provided. Alternate systems providing at least the same degree of protection, if approved by the Chief, shall be acceptable. (f) Windows, doors and hatchways. Every window, exterior door and hatchway or similar device shall be rodent proof and reasonably watertight and weather tight, and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. (1) Windows to be glazed. Every window sash shall be fully supplied with securely fitting glass window panes or an approved substitute which are without open cracks or holes. (2) Windows to be tight. Every window sash shall be in good condition and fit reasonably tightly within its frame. (3) Windows to be openable. Every window required for ventilation by this Chapter shall be capable of being easily opened and held in position by window hardware. (4) Door and door hardware. Every exterior door, door hinge and door latch shall be maintained in good condition. (5) Doors to fit in frame. All exterior doors, including swinging, sliding, and folding shall be constructed so that the space between the lower edge of the door and the threshold shall not exceed ⅜ of an inch and so that the space between Sections of folding and sliding doors, when closed, shall not exceed ⅜ of an inch. Every exterior door, when closed, shall fit reasonably well within its frame. (6) Window and door frames to fit in wall. Every window, door and frame shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall construction so as to exclude rain as completely as reasonably possible and to substantially exclude wind from entering the dwelling. (7) Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water into the property. (8) Exit doors. Every door available as an exit shall be provided with a locking device and shall be capable of being opened from the inside easily. (9) Screening. Guards and screens shall be supplied for protection against rodents and insects in accordance with the following requirements: (i) Every basement or cellar window which is openable shall be supplied with erosion-resistant, rodent proof shields of not less than N°22 U.S. gauge perforated steel sheets, N° B&S gauge aluminum or N°16 U.S. gauge expanded metal or wire mesh screens, with not more than ½-inch mesh openings; or with other material affording equivalent protection against the entry of rodents, including storm windows. (ii) Every window or other outside opening used for ventilation purposes shall be supplied with a screen of not less than 16 mesh an inch on a removable frame. Buildings containing air conditioning equipment which is capable of adequately cooling and ventilating the building are not required to have screens on windows or other openings used for ventilation. (iii) Every door opening of an apartment, apartment house, multiple dwelling, dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling, multifamily residential building or structure, rooming house, or rooming unit, which opens directly to the exterior shall be supplied with a self-closing screen door with screens of not less than 16 mesh an inch as protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Screens on said exterior doors shall be stretched and fitted and maintained without open rips or tears; provided however, there shall be no obligation to replace said screens more often than once a year. Dwelling units within the above described buildings equipped with functional central air conditioning which is capable of adequately cooling and ventilating the dwelling unit are not required to have self-closing screen doors on the door openings to the exterior. This subparagraph shall take effect upon the Effective Date of Ordinance 2017-261-E; provided however, a landlord may delay installation of the door screens pursuant to this subparagraph until expiration of a current lease, provided that in all cases the installation shall occur before June 1, 2018. (g) Protective treatment. All unprotected exterior wood and metal surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods and noncorrosive metals, shall be reasonably protected from the elements and decay. (h) Reserved. (i) Structural members. The supporting structural members of every property shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition, showing no evidence of deterioration or damage which would render them incapable of carrying the loads imposed upon them. (j) Garbage and rubbish storage facilities. Every property shall be supplied with approved containers and covers for storage of garbage and rubbish. The owner, occupant, operator or agent in control of the property shall be responsible for the removal of garbage and rubbish, as provided in this Chapter. (k) Means of egress. Every structure shall have an approved means of egress, with minimum head room of six feet, six inches, leading to a safe and open space at ground level. Every story above the second story shall have not less than two safe, unobstructed means of egress from each story, appropriately marked, leading to a safe and open space at ground level. (l) Light and ventilation—minimum requirements. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy a structure which does not comply with the requirements of this Chapter with respect to light and ventilation. (1) Natural light and ventilation. Except as provided in subsection (l)(2) of this Section, every habitable room shall be provided with natural light and ventilation by one or more windows facing directly to the outdoors. The aggregate area of approved glazing materials in the windows and skylights shall be equal to not less than ten percent of the floor area of the room served thereby and, where the only provision for natural light and ventilation is by a skylight, the glazed area of the skylight shall be equal to not less than 15 percent of the floor area of the room served thereby. Whenever walls or other portions of structures face a window of the room and the light-obstructing structures are located less than five feet from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, the obstructed window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum window area. Windows and skylights required for natural light and ventilation shall have a minimum aggregate openable area of not less than 45 percent of the required aggregate window area. (2) Alcoves and artificial light and mechanical ventilation. (i) An alcove opening off a habitable room shall not be required to be separately lighted and ventilated if the opening between the main room and the alcove has an area equal to not less than 50 percent of the floor area of the alcove and the floor area of the alcove is added to that of the main room to determine the total window area required for the main room. (ii) Natural light and ventilation shall not be required in rooms equipped with artificial lighting by electricity and an approved year-round mechanical ventilating system. (3) Bathroom. Every bathroom shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for other rooms, except that no window or skylight shall be required in bathrooms equipped with an approved mechanical ventilation system and artificial lighting. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1; Ord. No. 2003-620-E, § 4; Ord. 2015-693-E, § 7; Ord. No. 2017-261-E, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.420 Interior structure—Residential.

Sec. 518.420. - Interior structure—Residential. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy a dwelling, multiple dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the requirements of this Subpart with respect to the interior structure. (a) Freedom from dampness. In every dwelling, multiple dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house and rooming unit, cellars, basements, crawl spaces and every floor, walls and ceiling shall be maintained reasonably free from dampness. (b) Interior floors, walls and ceilings. Every floor, interior wall and ceiling shall be substantially rodent proof; shall be kept in sound condition and good repair; and shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon. (c) Interior stairs and railings. All interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair. Treads and risers that evidence excessive wear or are broken, warped or loose shall be replaced. Every inside stair shall be so constructed and maintained as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load which normal use may cause to be placed thereon. (d) Handrails. Structurally sound handrails shall be provided on steps containing five or more risers. If steps are not enclosed, handrails with balusters spaced approximately six inches apart shall be provided. Porches or balconies located more than three feet higher than the adjacent area shall have structurally sound protective handrails approximately 36 inches high and, if the porch or balcony is unenclosed, balusters spaced approximately six inches apart shall also be provided. Alternate systems providing at least the same degree of protection, if approved by the Chief, shall be acceptable. (e) Bathroom and kitchen floors. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room and kitchen floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to cater and so as to permit the floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition. (f) Sanitation. The interior of every dwelling and multiple [dwelling] used for human habitation shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free from any accumulation of filth, rubbish or garbage. Rubbish, garbage and other refuse shall be properly kept inside temporary storage facilities. (g) Insect and rodent harborages. Buildings used for human habitation shall be kept free from insect and rodent harborages such as accumulated rubbish, boxes, rags or other similar materials which may provide a harborage and shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. Where an infestation or harborage is found, it shall be promptly eliminated by acceptable processes. (h) Illumination. Sufficient windows, sky lights and electrical lighting fixtures shall be provided so as to furnish adequate illumination for the intended use or occupancy of the building. Illumination of at least five foot candle power shall be provided in all passageways and stairways at all times the buildings is occupied. Levels of illumination shall be measured at the floor or stair tread level. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.421 Space, occupancy and maintenance requirements—Residential.

Sec. 518.421. - Space, occupancy and maintenance requirements—Residential. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy a dwelling unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein which does not comply with the requirements of this Chapter with respect to basic facilities. (a) Water closet. Within the main enclosing walls of every dwelling unit there shall be a nonhabitable room which affords privacy to a person within the room and which is equipped with a flush water closet in good working condition. The water closet shall be: (1) Equipped with easily cleanable surfaces; (2) Connected to a water system that at all times provides an adequate amount of running water under pressure to cause the water closet to be operated properly; and (3) Connected to an approved sewer system or an approved septic tank installation. (b) Lavatory. Within the main enclosing walls of every dwelling unit there shall be a lavatory sink. The lavatory sink may be in the same room as the flush water closet or, if located in another room, the lavatory sink shall be located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which the water closet is located. The lavatory sink shall be in good working condition and properly connected to: (1) A potable water supply which is approved by the Duval County Public Health Unit and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure; and (2) An approved sewer system or an approved septic tank installation. (c) Bathtub or shower. Within the main enclosing walls of every dwelling unit there shall be a room which affords privacy to a person within the room and which is equipped with a bathtub or shower in good working condition. The bathtub or shower may be in the same room as the flush water closet or in another room and shall be properly connected to: (1) A water supply system which is approved by the Duval County Public Health Unit and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure; and (2) An approved sewer system or an approved septic tank installation. (d) Kitchen. Every dwelling unit shall have a room or portion of a room in which food may be prepared or cooked, which shall have adequate circulation area and which shall be equipped with a kitchen sink in good working condition and properly connected to: (1) A potable water supply which is approved by the Duval County Public Health Unit and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure; and (2) An approved sewer system or an approved septic tank installation. (e) Waste water from laundry devices. Waste water from every device used for laundering clothes shall be properly drained. (f) Water-heating facilities. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with water-heating facilities which are installed in an approved manner, properly maintained and properly connected with hot water lines to the fixtures required to be supplied with hot water under this Section. Water-heating facilities shall be capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub, shower and laundry facility or other similar unit at a temperature of not less than 120°F at any time needed. Water-heating facilities shall be provided with a properly installed pressure-temperature venting device. (g) Heating facilities. Every dwelling, dwelling unit and rooming unit shall have heating facilities which are properly installed, are maintained in safe and good working condition and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms and bathrooms located therein to a temperature of at least 65°F at a distance three feet above floor level under ordinary minimum winter conditions. (h) Operation of heating and water heating facilities. Every heating or water-heating facility shall be installed and shall operate in accordance with the requirements of the building code and the fire prevention code. (i) Privacy. Access to or egress from each dwelling unit shall be provided without passing through another dwelling or dwelling unit. (j) Locking devices. No person shall let to another for occupancy a dwelling or dwelling unit unless all exterior doors of the dwelling unit are equipped with safe and properly functioning locking devices. The locking devices shall be capable of being easily opened from the inside. (k) Minimum ceiling heights. The ceiling height of a habitable room shall be at least seven feet, except that in a habitable room under a sloping ceiling, at least one-half of the room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven feet and the floor area of that part of the room where the ceiling height is less than seven feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining maximum permissible occupancy. (l) Required space in dwelling units. The maximum occupancy of a dwelling unit shall not exceed the following requirements: (1) One hundred fifty square feet of floor space for the first occupant and at least 100 square feet of floor space for every additional occupant. The floor space shall be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area. (2) The total number of occupants shall not exceed two times the number of habitable rooms in the dwelling unit. (m) Required space in sleeping rooms. In every dwelling unit of two or more rooms every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant. (n) Access limitation of dwelling unit to commercial uses. No habitable room, bathroom or water closet compartment which is accessory to a dwelling or rooming house shall open directly into or shall be used in conjunction with a food store, barber or beauty shop, doctor's or dentist's examination or treatment room or similar room used for public purposes. Home occupations permitted under the Zoning Code are excluded from this requirement. (o) Location of bath. A bathroom or water closet compartment shall not be used as the only passageway to a habitable room, hall, basement or cellar or to the exterior of the dwelling. (p) Electrical system and artificial light—minimum requirements. (1) General. (i) All fixtures, receptacles, equipment and wiring shall be maintained in a state of good repair, safe, capable of being used, installed and connected to a source of electric power in accordance with the building code. (ii) Where the determination is made, upon examination of the existing electrical service supply, that the electrical service supply is obsolete or is being used in a manner constituting a hazard to life and property, the following standards shall be used for determining the adequacy of the service supply and main disconnect switch: Total Number of Lighting and Electrical Outlets | Capacity of Main Service Supply and Main Disconnect Switch 0—24 | 60 amp service 25—50 | 100 amp service (iii) Notwithstanding the standards of subsection (b) of this Section, the minimum capacity of the service and the main disconnect switch shall be sufficient to adequately carry the total load required in accordance with the building code. (2) Electrical lights and receptacles required. Every dwelling shall be wired for electricity and every habitable room shall be provided with not less than two separate floor or wall-type duplex electric receptacles. Every habitable room shall be provided with not less than one ceiling or wall-type electric lighting fixture or, in lieu thereof, with a duplex electric receptacle located near the entrance door to the room, the receptacle being in addition to those otherwise required for habitable rooms. Every bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, corridor and hallway shall be provided with not less than one ceiling or wall-type electric lighting fixture. Each receptacle and lighting fixture shall be properly installed and maintained in good and safe working condition and shall be connected to the source of electricity in a safe manner. (3) Light in public halls and stairways. Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling and rooming house containing three or more units shall be adequately lighted at all times. Every public hall and stairway in structures devoted solely to dwelling occupancy and containing not more than two units may be supplied with conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system which may be turned on when needed, instead of full-time lighting. (q) Fire safety—minimum requirements. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the applicable provisions of the fire prevention code and the additional requirements contained in this Subpart for safety from fire. (1) Storage of flammable liquids prohibited. No dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be located within a building containing an establishment handling, dispensing or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 100°F or lower. (2) Cooking and heating equipment. All cooking and heating equipment, components and accessories and every heating, cooking and water-heating device shall be maintained free from leaks and obstructions and kept functioning properly so as to be free from fire, health and accident hazards. Installations and repairs shall be made in accordance with the building code or other laws of the City applicable thereto. Portable cooking or heating equipment employing flame is prohibited, except on a temporary basis during power failures or in times of natural disaster. (3) Construction and materials. All construction and materials, ways and means of egress and installation and use of equipment shall conform with the appropriate laws and regulations of the City and the State dealing with fire protection. (4) Fire warning equipment. At least one smoke detector (which may be a single-station alarm device) shall be installed on each floor of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit. The detector shall operate from an alternating current source, a monitored battery or a combination alternating-current/battery-power source. Detectors shall conform to the following standards: (i) A smoke detector shall be located outside bedrooms in a hallway or space communicating thereto and on or near the ceiling and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Dwelling units and rooming units having bedrooms separated by any one or a combination of common-use areas, such as a kitchen, dining room, living room or family room (but not a bathroom or utility room) shall have at least two smoke detectors. (ii) Every smoke-detecting device shall cause the operation of an alarm signaling device or devices which shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms with all intervening doors closed. Alarm sounding devices shall be rated not less then 85 decibels at ten feet. (iii) Detectors requiring a light source for operation shall have an audible trouble signal on failure of the light source, but the failure shall not cause an alarm. Detectors not requiring a light source for operation shall have either a visible light to indicate operability or an audible trouble signal. Audible trouble signals shall be designed to operate at least every minute for seven consecutive days. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.422 Exterior structure—Commercial.

Sec. 518.422. - Exterior structure—Commercial. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy property which does not comply with the requirements of this Subpart with respect to the exterior structure. (a) Windows/stock storage. All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks or foreign substances except when necessary in the course of changing displays. Storage of materials, stock or inventory shall be prohibited in window display areas or other areas ordinarily exposed to public view unless such areas are first screened from the public view by drapes, Venetian blinds or other permanent rendering of the windows opaque to the public view. All screening of interiors shall be maintained in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit window displays which are attractive, neat, orderly and in keeping with community standards. (b) All permanent signs and billboards permitted by reason of other regulations or as lawful nonconforming use, and exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good repairs. Any signs which have excessively weathered, faded or those upon which the paint has excessively peeled or cracked shall, with their supporting members, be removed or, if legally allowed, put into a good state of repair. All nonoperative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supporting members, be removed. (c) All outdoor salvage yards shall be screened from surrounding property as required by the Zoning Code. Such screening shall be maintained in a good condition and free from deterioration. (d) Air conditioning equipment shall be equipped with proper devices for the prevention of condensate drainage upon sidewalks, other walkways or other areas. Where mechanical ventilation is used, the ventilating duct which is on the exterior wall shall not be located closer than six feet from a window located in an adjoining building. (e) Inflammable or combustible liquids or other materials may not be stored on the premises unless they are a type approved for storage by the fire code and then only in such quantities and in such fireproof storage containers as may be prescribed by the fire code. (f) Hallways shall provide adequate, safe and unobstructed circulation from offices, sales rooms, work rooms, storage rooms, and other spaces to various means of exit. (g) All premises shall be properly connected to electric power through safely insulated conductors conforming to the National Electrical Code. (h) All wiring or cables shall be properly affixed or attached to the structure, and kept in a good state of repair. No loose cords or loose extension lines in excess of six feet in length shall be permitted and no ceiling or wall fixture shall be used for supply and power to equipment other than that for which they are designed. Every electrical circuit in rooms containing plumbing pipes or fixtures shall be equipped with at least one ground fault interrupter receptacle. (i) Buildings where people work shall have a minimum of one water closet and one wash basin supplied with potable running water per floor, available to all employees, located in an enclosed room conveniently accessible to the employees. (j) Buildings wherein food is served to the public shall provide sanitary facilities available to patrons in accordance with the requirements of the health code and all other applicable Chapters and statutes. (k) All toilet rooms shall be fully enclosed and with a door capable of being locked so as to provide privacy for the user. (l) Each toilet room shall be provided with toilet paper, soap and individual towels or other means of drying. (m) Wash room and water closet compartment floors shall be surfaced with water-resistant materials and floors; walls and ceilings shall be kept in a dry, clean and sanitary condition at all times. (n) Every wash room and water closet compartment shall be provided with permanently installed artificial lighting fixtures with a switch and wall plate so located and maintained that there is no danger from short-circuiting from water or plumbing. (o) All toilet rooms shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation and lighting. (p) All fire warning or prevention equipment required by the building code shall be properly installed and in good working condition. (Ord. 96-458-297, § 1)

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 518.423 Emergency egress in residential buildings.

Sec. 518.423. - Emergency egress in residential buildings. (a) Metal bars, grills, grates or similar devices covering means of egress from a residential building, including, without limitation, windows and doors, which would otherwise impede emergency rescue must be installed according to the requirements of the Florida Building Code regulations for emergency escape and rescue openings. In addition, the security bars may be installed provided: (1) A permit, at a minimal builder's permit fee, is obtained from the building official; and (2) The installation is inspected and approved by the building official or his designated representative. (b) License and insurance. Contractors who install metal bars, grills, grates or similar devices shall have a business license as a burglar bar installer and shall carry public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 and property damage insurance in the amount of $25,000, or a single amount of $125,000 for both public liability and property damage. (c) Class D offense. Anyone violating this Section shall be guilty of a class D offense. (Ord. 2003-485-E, § 1)

Source: City of Jacksonville, Ordinance Code and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXIVHOCODE_CH518JAPRSAMACO_PT4PRST_SPBMICOFetched: 10/27/2026