The following words and phrases are defined as follows when used in this Chapter.
(a) “Abandoned” means a vacant residential property where ownership has or will be transferred as a result of foreclosure and which displays evidence of abandonment.
(b) “Evidence of abandonment” means any condition that alone or combined with other conditions would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property has been abandoned and/or is not occupied by authorized persons. Such conditions include, but are not limited to overgrown and/or dead vegetation; unmaintained pools or spas; an accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers and/or mail; past due utility notices and/or disconnected utilities; an accumulation of trash, junk and/or debris; the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds and/or shutters; the absence of furnishings and/or personal items consistent with residential habitation, statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, or government employees that the property is vacant and/or has been abandoned; unauthorized utility hookups; signs of camping or other unauthorized habitation.
(c) “Evidence of neglect” means any condition that alone or combined with other conditions would lead a reasonable person to see that the property is not maintained to the same standards as others in the vicinity. Such conditions include, but are not limited to overgrown or dead vegetation; weeds or unmowed lawns; dirt or trash accumulation, unmaintained pools or spas; broken windows.
(d) “Foreclosed property” means a residential property within the City where title has transferred as the result of a foreclosure sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar arrangement. Foreclosed property includes but is not limited to vacant or abandoned property.
(e) “Local” shall mean located within the City of Canyon Lake or within 30 miles thereof.
(f) “Vacant” means a residential building/ structure that is not occupied by authorized persons, and includes abandoned property, including property which shows evidence of vacancy.
(Ord. 118, passed 10-6-2010)