Mascoutah — Ch. 29 Art. III Environmental Requirements (Property Maintenance) § 29-3-18
Exterior surfaces (foundations, walls and roof)
Operative Text
Every foundation, exterior wall, roof, and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a workmanlike state of maintenance and repair and shall be kept in such condition as to exclude rats. (a) Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained so as to carry the safe design and operating dead and live loads and shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, so as not to be detrimental to public safety and welfare. (b) Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers, and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the building. All exterior surface materials, including wood, composition, or metal siding, shall be maintained weatherproof and shall be properly surface coated when required to prevent deterioration. (c) Roofs and drainage. The roof shall be structurally sound, tight, and not have defects which might admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the building. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a nuisance to owners or occupants of adjacent premises, or that creates a public nuisance. (d) Decorative features. All cornices, entablatures, belt courses, corbells, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition. (e) Signs, marquees, and awnings. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a safe and sound condition. They shall be protected from the elements and against decay and rust by the periodic application of a weather-coating material such as paint or other protective treatment. (f) Chimneys. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe, sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials such as paint or similar surface treatment. (g) Stairs and porches. Every stair, porch, fire escape, balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the anticipated loads and shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair. Every stair, porch, fire escape shall be maintained free of hazardous conditions and other debris. Every flight of stairs which is more than four risers high shall have a handrail on at least one side of the stair, and every open portion of a stair, fire escape, porch, landing or balcony which is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the grade below shall have guardrails. Every handrail shall be firmly fastened and capable of bearing normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
Mascoutah Ch. 29 Art. III § 29-3-18 establishes comprehensive maintenance standards for the exterior envelope of residential and commercial buildings, covering foundations, walls, roofs, decorative features, overhangs, chimneys, and stairs. Every component must be kept structurally sound, weatherproof, and free from conditions that could admit moisture, harbor pests, or pose safety hazards to occupants and the public. Specific requirements address drainage, anchorage of decorative and overhead elements, protective coatings, and guardrail and handrail installation on elevated structures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under § 29-3-18 generally conduct routine inspections of all exterior surfaces—foundations, siding, roofing, chimneys, overhangs, and stair systems—to identify and correct deterioration before it progresses. Compliant operators keep surface materials weatherproofed and properly coated, ensure drainage systems direct water away from walls and neighboring properties, and verify that all decorative features and overhang extensions are securely anchored. Stairs, porches, and balconies more than 30 inches above grade are kept equipped with properly fastened guardrails and handrails capable of bearing normal loads, consistent with the requirements of this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 29-3-18, tenants have an interest in knowing that their building's exterior—including the foundation, walls, roof, stairs, and attached features—must be maintained in a structurally safe and weatherproof condition that prevents moisture intrusion and pest entry. If a tenant observes conditions such as open foundation cracks, deteriorating siding, roof leaks, missing handrails, or unsecured overhangs, those observations may be relevant to a housing code complaint filed with the appropriate local code enforcement authority in Mascoutah. Tenants may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how documented exterior deficiencies under this provision could relate to habitability concerns or other remedies available under Illinois law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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