For purpose of this subchapter, and these regulations, as amended from time to time, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, or requires a different meaning.
“AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE.” The town official or officials designated to make inspections of complaints of weeds, noxious growth, rank vegetation and any other environmental public nuisance existing within the town, including, but not limited to, the Building Commissioner, Code Enforcement, Director of Operations, Police Department, Town Administrator, Town Manager and the Unsafe Building Administrator.
“EXCLUDED PROPERTY.” Land cultivated for gross profit in a business or agricultural zoning district; a natural or developed forest, which does not create a health or safety hazard, which conforms to Management Series No. 2 of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or is registered, or adjoining landowners; vacant and open lands, fields or wooded areas more than 150 feet from occupied property; land containing agricultural crops, such as hay and pasture. However, natural habitats or wildlife habitats in residential zoning district properties are not to be considered “EXCLUDED PROPERTY,” and will constitute a violation of this subchapter, as amended from time to time.
“GOVERNMENTAL PROPERTY.” Real estate within the town which is owned, leased, controlled or occupied by the United States, the State of Indiana, or any political subdivision thereof, excluding areas such as interior fields, riverbank properties and wooded lots which are maintained as natural sites by any such political entity.
“INSPECTOR.” An authorized representative of the town, so designated, and having power to issue ordinance violation notices and summons in order to enforce the provisions of this subchapter as amended from time to time.
“NOTICE OF VIOLATION.” The notice served by the authorized representative on the owner of the property where the violation exists.
“OWNER.” The term “OWNER” shall be presumed to be any one or more of the following as of the date of the violation notice:
(1) The owner or owners in fee simple of a parcel of real estate, including the life tenant or tenants, if any;
(2) The record owner or owners as reflected by the most current records in the Auditor's Office of Lake County;
(3) The purchaser or purchasers of such real estate under any contract for the conditional sale thereof; or
(4) The occupant or user of such real estate, whether or not a life tenant, record owner, or purchaser under any contract for conditional sale, who is occupying or using, in any manner, a parcel of real estate.
“PRIVATE PROPERTY.” All real estate within the town except governmental property.
“TOWN.” The Town of Cedar Lake, Lake County, Indiana.
“TRAFFIC HAZARD.” Any weeds, noxious growth, rank vegetation and/or other environmental public nuisance that is potentially dangerous to the existing traffic at the intersection in question, as it may block or prohibit the view of any oncoming traffic.
“WEEDS, NOXIOUS GROWTH, RANK VEGETATION AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC NUISANCE.”
(1) Any growth of weeds, grass or other rank vegetation on private or governmental property which is neglected, disregarded or not cut, mown, or otherwise removed, and/or which has attained a height of nine inches or more;
(2) Any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush on private or governmental property;
(3) Any poison ivy, ragweed or other poisonous plant or plants detrimental to health, growing on any private or governmental property;
(4) Property which has been allowed to become a health or safety hazard, or which has accumulated litter or waste products, unless specifically authorized under existing laws and regulations;
(5) The feeding of wild or domestic waterfowl by any person or persons on or near Cedar Lake.
(Ord. 641, passed 3-7-95; Am. Ord. 671A, passed 6-10-97; Am. Ord. 752, passed 9-28-99; Am. Ord. 758, passed 11-23-99; Am. Ord. 1354, passed 6-16-20)