CITY OF PORT HURON
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR
EXISTING RENTAL HOUSING
The provisions of this Article shall govern the minimum standards for residential rental structures and shall
be known and adopted as the "Minimum Standards for Existing Rental Housing." Every residential rental
property shall comply with the provisions of this Article.
1.0
Structure Exterior.
1.1
All exterior foundations, chimneys, walls, roof, windows and doors, shall be structurally
sound, tight and free of defects which admit rodents, vermin, rain or allow dampness in the
walls or interior portion of the building.
1.2
Stairs, Porches, and Railings.
(A)
Every outside stair, porch, attachment, and railing shall be safe and capable of
supporting the loads as required by the current Building Code. Three or more risers
require a handrail and railing. There shall not be any missing or loose treads,
decking or rails. Open railings shall be constructed such that a sphere four (4)
inches in diameter cannot pass between them. Every railing shall be firmly fastened.
Existing stairs, porches and railings on the effective date of these guidelines, may
be allowed if there is no hazard to the health and safety of the occupants and may be
repaired with like kind construction. New or replacement shall meet the current
Building Code.
(B)
Handrails. Every flight of stairs more than three (3) risers high shall have handrails.
The top of handrails shall not be placed less than thirty-four (34) inches nor more
than thirty-eight (38) inches above landings and the nosing of treads. Handrails shall
continue the full length of the stairs. The handgrip portion of the handrails shall not
be less than one and one-quarter (1-1/4) inches nor more than two (2) inches in
cross-sectional dimension. Handrails projecting from a wall surface shall have a
space of not less than 1-1/2 inches between the handrail and the wall.
(C)
Guardrails. Surfaces located more than thirty (30) inches above the floor or grade
below shall have guardrails not less than thirty-six (3