During a recent government meeting, Ron Snyder, an inspector from the Sandusky Code Compliance Office, presented findings from an inspection conducted on March 20, 2023, which revealed multiple housing violations related to gutter installations on a detached garage and a residence.

Snyder detailed issues with the garage's gutters, noting that the east side was improperly mounted and approximately three feet short of the fascia, while the north side was hanging vertically instead of horizontally. He clarified that while detached garages are not required to have gutters, if they are installed, they must be maintained. This maintenance requirement stems from existing ordinances that mandate the upkeep of pre-existing gutters, a point that sparked discussion among board members regarding the interpretation of local and state codes.

The conversation highlighted the ambiguity in the city ordinance, which states that gutters must be installed in an approved manner and maintained in good working order. Snyder confirmed that the Ohio Residential Code specifies that such requirements apply to structures classified as dwellings, leading to questions about the enforcement of these regulations on non-dwelling structures like detached garages.

Board members expressed a desire for written clarification on the ordinance, particularly regarding the maintenance of gutters on detached garages. Snyder agreed to provide the necessary documentation to address these concerns.

In addition to the garage issues, Snyder also reported a lack of downspout installation on a residence, further emphasizing the need for compliance with local codes regarding gutter systems. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Code Compliance Office in ensuring property owners adhere to maintenance standards, particularly in cases where regulations may not be clearly defined.