The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY - means any real property located in East McKeesport, whether vacant or occupied, that is in default on a mortgage, has had a lis pendens filed against it by the lender holding a mortgage on the property, is subject to an ongoing foreclosure action by the lender, is subject to an application for a tax deed or pending tax assessors lien sale, or has been transferred to the lender under a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The designation of a property as “abandoned” shall remain in place until such time as the property is sold or transferred to a new owner, the foreclosure action has been dismissed, and any default on the mortgage has been cured.
ACCESSIBLE PROPERTY/STRUCTURE - means a property that IS accessible through a comprised/breached gate, fence, wall, etc. or a structure that is unsecured and/or breached in such a way as to allow access to the interior space by unauthorized persons.
APPLICABLE CODES - means to include, but not be limited to, East McKeesport’s Zoning Code, East McKeesport’s Code of Ordinances (“East McKeesport Code”), and the Pennsylvania Building Code.
BLIGHTED PROPERTY - means:
A. Properties that have broken or severely damaged windows, doors, walls, or roofs which create hazardous conditions and encourage trespassing; or
B. Properties whose maintenance is not in conformance with the maintenance of other neighboring properties causing a decrease in value of the neighboring properties; or
C. Properties cited for a public nuisance pursuant to East McKeesport Code; or
D. Properties that endanger the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the properties or improvements thereon are dilapidated, deteriorated, or violate minimum health and safety standards or lacks maintenance as required by East McKeesport and Zoning Codes.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - means any law enforcement officer, building official, zoning inspector, code enforcement officer, fire inspector or building inspector, or other person authorized by East McKeesport to enforce the applicable code(s).
OWNER - means any person, legal entity or other party having any ownership interest whether legal or equitable, in real property. This term shall also apply to any person, legal entity or agent responsible for the construction, maintenance or operation of the property involved.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY - means a local property manager, property maintenance company or similar entity responsible for the maintenance of abandoned real property.
VACANT - means any building or structure that is not legally occupied.
(Ord. 925, 3/12/2015)