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i)RDINAHCE NO 1 6 -41 , AN ORDINANCE TO A~END CX~AP~ 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGiNIA~ 1961, BY ADDING THERETO A NEW ARTICLE NUMBERED 4, CONSISTING OF SECTIONS 4-62 THROUGH 4-72 , ESTABLISHING MINIMUM MAINTENANCE STANDARD~ FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL ~'i'itUCITIBE~ AND PROVIDING FOR THE ENFORCEFEA~ ~OF. Be it ordained by the Council.o£ the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that Chapter 4 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, 1961, be aU~nded by adding thereto a new article n~mbered 4, 'consisting of sections 4-62 through 4-72 , such new sections to read as follows: Sec. 4-62. Findings and declaration of policy. It is hereby found and declared that there exist in the City of Portsmouth structures used for non-residential purposes which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance; or further that such conditions including but not limited to structural deterioration, lack of maintenance and appearance of exterior of presses, infestation, lack of essential heating, pl~n~ing, storage or refrigeration equipment, lack of main- tenance or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities, existence of fire hazards, inadequate provisions for light and air, unsanitary conditions and overcrowding constitute a menaceto the health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the City of Portsmouth. It is further found and declared that by reason of lack of ,maintenance and progressive deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions and initiating slums, and that if the same are no~ cuu~taiied and removed, the aforesaid c~nditions will grow and spread and will necessitate in time the expenditure of large amounts of public f~uds to correct and eliminate the same~ and that by reason of timely regulations mud restrictions as hereLu contained, the growth of sl~m~ and blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby m~fntained, the desirability and amenities of residential and non-residential uses and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered. Sec. 4-63. Purposes. The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety, morals, and welfare by establishing minimum, standards governing the maintenance, appear- ance, condition and occupancy of non-residential premises; to establish minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation~ occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators, and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of premises ~ to fix penalties for the violations of this article; ~nd to provide for the repair, demolition or ~acation of premises ~ufit for human habitation or occupancy or use. To_is article is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public interest and it is intended that this article 'be liberally construed to effectuat~ the purposes as stated herein.