The Sun Prairie Property Maintenance Code sets minimum standards for:

• Buildings
• Equipment
• Heating
• Lighting
• Safety from fire and other hazards
• Sanitation
• Ventilation

It is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare. These standards apply to all property in the city, owner occupied or rental property.

We investigate complaints regarding violation of the code and may issue orders for corrective action. Most violations could be prevented by following a few basic principles.

Grass & Weeds
You are required to control your grass height and destroy noxious weeds. Our ordinances require that grasses and weeds not be taller than 8" in height. The logical reason to cut weeds is to prevent their spread by not allowing them to go to seed.

Discharging your grass clippings into the street while mowing your lawn is a violation.

Exterior Storage
Seasonal (April 1 to November 30), oversized recreational vehicles and all residential districts motorized or transport vehicles that exceed 22 feet in length, are permitted to be parked and stored outdoors on a residential property provided that the parking and storage complies with each of the following:

• No more than 1 oversized vehicle shall be stored at any given time.
• No more than 2 of the vehicles parked and stored outside on a 1 or 2 family parcel can be trailers, commercial or recreational vehicles.
• Parking or storage is only allowed in the front or street yard as long as it occurs on a paved surface such as a driveway and is designated for such purpose.
• Vehicles must be parked perpendicular to the street except where parked on a curved or circular driveway.
• A minimum 2 foot setback shall be maintained between the sidewalk and any part of the vehicle including the hitch. If there is not a public sidewalk, the vehicle may be parked up to the right of way line or 10 feet from back of curb whichever is greater.
• Vehicle must not be parked less 5 feet from side and/or rear property line.
• All stored or parked vehicles must display current registration tags.

Also, as a reminder, some developments and neighborhoods have adopted covenants, restrictions and conditions concerning exterior storage of recreational vehicles, although not enforced by the city, property owners may have some legal obligation to conform to the restrictions.

Snow & Ice
Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. Sidewalks that are walkways for school children should be cleared as soon as possible. Sidewalks shall be clear of snow and ice to a minimum of 4 feet, regardless of the source of accumulation. In the event ice has formed in such a manner that it cannot be removed, the sidewalk should be sprinkled with sand and/or salt.

By the way, it's unlawful to deposit any snow or ice unto a public street.

Tenant/Landlord Disputes
The city can help you with some tenant/landlord issues, in particular, health and safety issues. If you, as the tenant, have concerns about health and safety issues that you are not creating, we may be able to lend assistance. We will do inspections for:

• Flooded basements
• Inadequate ventilation
• Insects
• Mold
• Rodents
• Security issues
• Unsafe balconies
• Unsafe electrical wiring
• Water leaks

If there is a health or safety issue, please contact us at 608-825-1184. Sorry, but we can not help with issues concerning your lease or rent payments, those issues are covered under Wisconsin State Statutes.