For the purpose of this Chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
"EMERGENCY SITUATION.” Where the condition of the building, structure, or any part thereof is an imminent, immediate, and substantial danger to the health or safety of anyone on the premises or the general public. Such conditions include, but are not limited to: fire hazards; falling or dilapidated buildings, structures, or any part thereof; or such condition resulting from a sudden event/occurrence which causes loss of significant water, heat, ventilation, or lack of sanitary conditions.
"ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.” Individuals charged with enforcing the Code of Ordinances of the City, including staff of the Public Development and Public Safety Departments of the City.
"OWNER.” The person, persons, or entity shown to be the owner or owners on the records of the Vermilion County Recorder, those identified as the owner or owners on a vacant building registration form, a mortgagee in possession, a mortgagor in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, or other person, firm or corporation in control of the premises. Any such person shall have joint and several obligations for compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
"SECURED BY OTHER THAN NORMAL MEANS.” A building secured by means other than those used in the design or approved plans for the building.
"UNOCCUPIED.” A building which lacks the habitual presence of human beings who have a legal right to be on the premises, including buildings ordered vacated by an enforcement officer of the City, a court of competent jurisdiction, or Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officer. The term shall also mean a building which is empty or not lawfully occupied on a regular basis for the usual and customary purposes for which the building is designed. In determining whether a building is unoccupied, the enforcement officer may consider these factors, among others: whether lawful residential or business activity has ceased; the building is substantially devoid of contents or has minimal fixtures or personal property in the building; the building lacks utility services; the building is subject to a foreclosure action; and, the presence or reoccurrence of violations of city codes.
"UNSECURED.” A building or portion of a building which is open to entry by unauthorized persons, without the use of tools or a ladder.
"VACANT BUILDING.” A building or structure which is any one or more of the following:
(1) Unoccupied and unsecured;
(2) Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means;
(3) Unoccupied and an unsafe building as determined by the enforcement officer;
(4) Unoccupied and an enforcement officer has issued an order to correct code violations;
(5) Illegally occupied.
(Ord. 8613, passed 12-2-08; Am. Ord. 8765, passed 12-6-11)