Where terms are not defined in this chapter, they shall have ascribed to them the meanings set forth in the definitions contained in the Zoning Code. If such terms are not defined under the Zoning Code, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings or such meanings as the context may imply. Where questions arise as to the meaning of terms not defined, the Housing Officer shall determine the implied meaning. For further amplification and clarity of interpretation, the word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary; the word "may" is permissive; the word "lot" includes the words "zoning lot," "piece," "parcel," and "plots;" and the use of the word "building" or "structure" includes the word "premises."
As used in this chapter:
(a) "Accessory structure" means a structure, whether temporary or permanent, the use of which is incidental and secondary to that of a principal building and which is located on the same premises.
(b) “Board” means the Property Maintenance Hearing Board ,described in Section 1454.18.
(c) "Demolition notice of violation" means a notice of violation recommending demolition as a necessary means of abating a public nuisance.
(d) "Deterioration" means a diminution of quality, character or value of a structure because of the lack of maintenance. Such deterioration, if left unchecked, can lead to dilapidation. Deterioration is frequently the result of inadequate paint protection, faulty roofing, absence of proper gutters and downspouts, lack of screening, loose doors and windows, access by or infestation by vermin, blockage of drains, inadequately designed structural support systems and the like.
(e) “Housing Officer” or “Code official” means either the City Manager or his or her designee for code enforcement activities. The term may also refer to representatives of the County Health Department when such personnel are acting on behalf of the City by contractual arrangement.
(f) "Interested party" means an owner and all persons having a legal or an equitable interest in the premises.
(g) "Notice of violation" means a notice issued by the Housing Officer pursuant to Section 1454.09. A notice of violation may be either a demolition notice of violation or a standard notice of violation.
(h) "Owner" means the owner of record of the premises of fee or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, land contract purchaser, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, administrator, trustee or lessee, as determined by an examination of the public records of the County, or any other person in control of a building, or his or her duly authorized agent.
(i) "Premises" means a lot, plot or parcel of land, including all buildings or structures thereon, and including the area known as the parkway or tree lawn situated between the sidewalk and the street or front, side or rear lot line adjoining the street and extending along the front, back or side of such a lot, plot or parcel of land.
(j) "Refuse or waste" means unused or discarded matter and material having no substantial market value, and includes, among other items, rubbish, refuse, debris and similar matter, including, but not limited to, rubble, asphalt, concrete, plaster, tile, rocks, bricks, soil, building materials, crates, cartons, containers, boxes, machinery or parts thereof, scrap metal and other pieces of metal (ferrous or nonferrous), furniture, inoperative vehicles and parts, trimmings from plants and trees, cans, bottles, and barrels.
(k) "Standard notice of violation" means a notice of violation that does not recommend demolition as a necessary means of abating a public nuisance.
(l) "Structure" means an assembly of materials forming a construction for occupancy or use, including, among others, buildings, stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, swimming pools and their enclosures, domes such as plastic, geodesic, air-supported, etc., open sheds, coal bins, shelters, fences, and display signs.
(Ord. 84-6. Passed 3-13-84; Ord. 04-29. Passed 12-14-04; Ord. 12-7. Passed 8-28-12; Ord. 13-11. Passed 6-26-13.)