Lincoln, Neb., Mun. Code ch. 21.05 § 21.05.250
Section 302 Amended; Exterior Property Areas
Operative Text
Section 302 of the International Property Maintenance Code is amended to read as follows: SECTION 302 -- EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS 302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. 302.2 Drainage around foundations. The ground around the foundation of a dwelling shall be graded so that water will drain away from the foundation and no standing water may collect within five feet of the structure. 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All private sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions. 302.4 Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant. 302.5 Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. (Ord. 19349 §25; March 1, 2009). 21.05.260 Section 303 Deleted; Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. Section 303 of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby deleted. (Ord. 19349 §26; March 1, 2009).
Lincoln Municipal Code § 21.05.250 amends Section 302 of the International Property Maintenance Code to establish exterior property maintenance standards for all properties in Lincoln, Nebraska. The rule requires that exterior areas be kept clean, safe, and sanitary; that ground around foundations be graded to direct water away and prevent pooling within five feet of a structure; that private walkways, driveways, and similar surfaces remain in good repair and free of hazards; that exhaust vents and similar systems not discharge waste gases or particulates onto neighboring or adjacent properties; and that accessory structures such as detached garages, fences, and walls be kept structurally sound. Both property owners and occupants share responsibility for the condition of the exterior areas they control.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lincoln Municipal Code § 21.05.250, property owners and managers are generally expected to maintain all exterior areas—including grounds, walkways, driveways, foundation grading, exhaust systems, and accessory structures—in a clean, safe, structurally sound condition. Compliant operators typically inspect foundation drainage to ensure water is directed away from the structure and does not pool within five feet, keep private walkways and driveways free of hazardous conditions, and verify that exhaust vents do not discharge waste materials onto neighboring properties. Accessory structures such as detached garages, fences, and walls should be regularly assessed for structural integrity and repaired as needed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lincoln Municipal Code § 21.05.250 places a shared responsibility on occupants to keep the exterior areas they occupy or control in a clean and sanitary condition. Tenants who observe violations of these exterior maintenance standards—such as hazardous walkways, improper foundation drainage, or discharging exhaust vents affecting their space—may have grounds to raise those conditions through Lincoln's local code enforcement process or a tenant-rights organization. Consulting a local housing authority or tenant advocacy group can help clarify what remedies or complaint processes may be available under § 21.05.250.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 5, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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