For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APARTMENT HOUSE. Any dwelling which is designed to be occupied, or which is occupied as the home or residence of three or more families living independently of each other in dwelling units.
APPROVED. Performed in a manner and/or with building materials consistent with the State Building Code unless otherwise provided herein.
AREA. As applied to the dimensions of a dwelling, the maximum horizontal projected area of the dwelling at grade.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
CONDEMN. To adjudge unfit for occupancy.
DEMOLISH. The tearing down and disposal of a dwelling unit in a lawful manner, leaving property free of debris and without hazards, such as holes or pockets.
DETERIORATED. A dwelling that is unfit for human habitation or unsafe and can be repaired or improved to comply with standards established by this code at a cost not in excess of 50% of its value.
DILAPIDATED. A dwelling that is unfit for human habitation or unsafe and cannot be repaired or improved to comply with standards established by this code at a cost not in excess of 50% of its value.
DWELLING. Any building or part thereof used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and including any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and ramps, and horizontal exits.
EXIT ACCESS. That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.
EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY. A door or access point along the path of egress travel from an occupied room, area or space where the path of egress enters an intervening room, corridor, unenclosed exit access stair or unenclosed exit access ramp.
EXIT DISCHARGE. That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.
EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF. The story at the point at which an exit terminates and an exit discharge begins.
EXIT ENCLOSURE. An exit component that is separated from other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives and provides for a protected path of egress travel in a vertical or horizontal direction to the exit discharge or the public way.
EXIT, HORIZONTAL. A path of egress travel from one building to an area in another building on approximately the same level, or a path of egress travel through or around a wall or partition to an area on approximately the same level in the same building, which affords safety from fire and smoke from the area of incidence and areas communicating therewith.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY. An exit component that is separated from other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives and provides for a protected path of egress travel in a horizontal direction to the exit discharge or the public way.
EXTERMINATION. The control and elimination of pests by eliminating their harborage places; by making inaccessible materials that serve as their food; by poisoning, trapping or any other recognized and lawful pest elimination method.
FAMILY. One or more persons living together and having common housekeeping facilities.
GARBAGE. The waste produced by animal or vegetable products used for human consumption. This definition shall include matter that is subject to decomposition or the generation of noxious gases or odors or which may serve as feeding or breeding material for animals or insects.
HABITABLE SPACE or HABITABLE ROOM. Any room in a dwelling or dwelling unit used or intended for use for living, sleeping, cooking or eating, excluding bathrooms, toilets, halls, pantries, storage space, closets, laundry rooms and other spaces not used frequently or during extended periods.
INSPECT. The act of examining areas of a dwelling or dwelling unit to determine its compliance with the standards set out in this code.
MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUILDING CODES. The adopted State Building Codes that were(are) in effect at the time of construction.
OWNER. Any person, agent, operator, entity, firm or corporation having any legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding an interest or title to the property; or otherwise having possession or control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
PARTIES IN INTEREST. All individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling or dwelling unit and any who are in possession thereof.
PIER. A post, pole or column extending from a footing to, and supporting, the building or portion thereof.
PLUMBING. The water supply system, sanitary drainage system, vent system, fixtures and traps including their respective connections, devices, appliances and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises.
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY. The direct connection to a well, to a public water utility or equivalent water service delivery system and does not include through a hose or via containers.
PROPERLY INSTALLED AND CONNECTED. Shall mean in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code. Provided however that the kitchen sink standard shall not apply to hotels or motels.
PUBLIC SPACE or COMMON SPACE. That space within a dwelling which is open to use by the general public or to occupants of more than one dwelling unit.
RUBBISH. Waste materials except garbage.
STORY. The part of a dwelling comprised between a floor and the floor or roof above and having the required ceiling height.
UNFIT. Not fit for human habitation.
UNSAFE. Especially dangerous to life because of a dwelling’s or dwelling unit’s liability to fire or because condition of walls, overloaded floors, defective construction, decay, dangerous wiring or heating system, inadequate means of egress or other conditions enumerated in this code.
(1989 Code, Title VI, Ch. 80, §5) (Ord. passed 6-10-2003; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)