The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
“BED AND BREAKFAST.” A residential building operating as a lodging establishment which offers seven or more rooms to rent and serves breakfast to overnight guests. A bed and breakfast does not mean a residential rental. A bed and breakfast with seven or fewer rooms and which only serves breakfast is not required to have a retail food establishment permit.
“CLEAN.” Free from dirt, impurities or multiple stains; hygienic conditions and practices that serve to promote or preserve health.
“CONTINUAL, CONTINUED, OR REPEAT VIOLATION.” A particular condition of construction, operation, or maintenance which is found in violation of these rules on three or more consecutive inspections or laboratory analyses within a twelve month period.
“CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.” A diagnosis of an illness due to Norovirus; hepatitis A virus, Salmonella typhi; Shigella spp, shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli; or similar organism clinically suspected to cause symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice or sore throat with fever and considered transmissible.
“DIRECTOR OF HEALTH.” The Wichita County Public Health District Director of Health.
“EASILY CLEANABLE.” Surfaces, which are readily accessible, and made of such materials and finishes and so fabricated that residue, may be effectively removed by normal cleaning methods.
“EQUIPMENT.” Any items used in connection with the operation of a lodging establishment including but not limited to any washer, dryer, ice machine, fans, air conditioning units, heaters, refrigerators, or cooking units.
“EXCESSIVE.” More than a usual, multiple or an unreasonable number.
“EXTENDED STAY.” Guests that stay for a week or longer in length.
“FIXTURES.” Any sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilet fixtures, or any other such items used in connection with the operation of a lodging establishment.
“FURNISHINGS.” Any bedding, furniture, lamps, or any such items used in connection with the operation of a lodging establishment.
“GUEST.” Any person who rents and occupies a guest room in a lodging establishment.
“GUESTROOM.” Any room or unit of a lodging establishment where sleeping accommodations are regularly offered to the public.
“IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD.” A situation that is likely to cause an immediate threat to human life, an immediate threat of serious physical injury, immediate threat of serious adverse health effects, or a serious risk of irreparable damage to the environment if immediate action is not taken.
“INSPECT OR INSPECTION.” An examination by the Director of Health or his or her designee of the lodging establishment structure, facilities, equipment, and operations. The inspection area shall include, but not be limited to, the public and guest rooms; fixtures; furnishings; equipment and utensils; water supply and waste disposal facilities; and the buildings' surroundings. It shall also include a determination of the cleanliness and maintenance of the building, furnishings fixtures, equipment and utensils, and any other examination necessary to determine the degree to which any lodging establishment complies with the provisions of these rules. Inspections are performed on a routine schedule or as a result of a complaint.
“KITCHENETTES.” A small kitchen with refrigeration, vented cooking range, dishwashing sinks and cooking utensil storage.
“LAW.” All federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and/or rules.
“LINENS.” The fitted sheets, top sheets, and pillows excluding coverlets and comforters.
“LODGING ESTABLISHMENT.” Any building, group of buildings, structure, facility, place, or places of business where seven or more guest rooms are provided, which is owned, maintained, or operated by any person and which is kept, used, maintained, advertised or held out to the public for hire. It can be construed to be a hotel, motel, motor hotel, apartment hotel, tourist court, resort, cabin, tourist home, bunkhouse, bed and breakfast, non-hostel hotel, or other similar place by whatever name called, and includes all such accommodations operated for hire as lodging establishments for either transient guests, permanent guests, or for both transient and permanent guests. The term does not include duplexes, quadriplexes, dormitories, residential rentals, and apartment complexes.
“MANAGER OR OPERATOR.” The owner's agent or representative, who is directly responsible for operation of the lodging establishment.
“NUISANCE.” Any condition as defined in Tex. Health and Safety Code § 341.011.
“NUMERICAL SCORE.” The score determined by deducting the values of all items found in violation from 100.
“OWNER.” A person(s) who holds legal possession or ownership of a total or partial interest in the structure or property on which exists a lodging establishment.
“REGULATORY AUTHORITY.” The Director of the Wichita County Public Health District or his or her designee.
“RESIDENTIAL RENTAL.” All or part of a person’s residence is offered for rent. Residential rentals typically operate using a peer- to-peer advertising platform but do not have to do so to be considered a residential rental. Residential rentals do not provide time or temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food to guests.
“RULES.” City and county ordinances or state statutes.
“SANITARY.” Free from harmful elements, including pathogens that endanger public health.
“SANITIZE.” The effective bactericidal treatment by a process that provides enough accumulative heat or concentration of chemical for sufficient time to reduce the bacterial count, including pathogens, to a safe level on cleaned surfaces.
“SEALED.” Free of multiple cracks or other openings that permit the entry or passage of excessive moisture that causes water damage to the property.
“SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OR UTENSILS.” Cups, containers, ice bucket liners, stirrers, paddles, straws, napkins, doilies, wrapping materials and similar articles intended for one time use and then discarded.
(Ord. 782, passed 7-19-10; Am. Ord. 1029, passed 10-17-22)