It is hereby declared that insanitary and unsafe buildings, dwellings and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation exist in the incorporated municipalities of this state and that such insanitary and unsafe conditions arise from obsolescence, poor repair, maintenance and the overcrowding and use of such buildings, dwellings and structures used for human habitation and occupancy; that such conditions are often compounded by inadequate provisions for light and air, insufficient protection against fire hazards, lack of living space and overcrowding and lack of heating, plumbing and other facilities; that such insanitary and unsafe buildings, dwellings and structures used for human habitation and occupancy constitute a danger to the health, safety, morals, welfare, well-being and comfort of the inhabitants and general public in such incorporated municipalities; and, that such conditions cause an increase in and spread of disease and crime and are damaging and injurious to the inhabitants and general public of such incorporated municipalities.

The incorporated municipalities of this state are specifically authorized, in order to protect the health, safety, morals, welfare, well-being and comfort of their inhabitants and the public at large to enact, adopt and enforce ordinances regulating the use, control, repair and maintenance of buildings, dwellings and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation or occupancy and, the number of occupants and the mode and manner of occupancy for the purpose of insuring the healthful, safe and sanitary environment of the occupants of such structures and to compel the owners or persons in charge of such buildings to alter, reconstruct or modify them or any room, compartment or part thereof for the purpose of insuring the healthful, safe and sanitary environment of the occupants thereof and to prohibit the use and occupancy of such buildings, dwellings and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation or occupancy until such rules, regulations and provisions imposed by ordinance shall have been complied with.

This chapter shall not be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of incorporated municipalities to enjoin or abate public nuisances within their corporate limits.

This chapter shall be liberally construed as being additional authority of incorporated municipalities to adopt ordinances relating to the establishment and enforcement of minimum standards for buildings, dwellings and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation and occupancy and is cumulative to and in addition to existing legal authority.