1375.02 DEFINITIONS.

   Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall for the purpose of this

chapter, have the meanings indicated in this section.

   (a)    “Secured by other than normal means.” A building secured by means other than those used in the design of the building.

   (b)    “Unoccupied.” A building which is not being used for the occupancy authorized by the owner.

   (c)    “Unsecured.” A building or portion of a building which is open to entry by unauthorized persons without the use of tools or ladders.

   (d)    “Vacant building.” A building (excluding government-owned buildings) which is:

      (1)    Unoccupied and unsecured; or

      (2)    Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means; or

      (3)    Unoccupied and an unsafe building as determined by the Fire Inspector; or

      (4)    Unoccupied and having utilities disconnected; or

      (5)    Unoccupied and has housing or building code violations; or

      (6)    Illegally occupied, which shall include loitering and vagrancy; or

      (7)    Unoccupied for a period oftime over 90 days and having an existing code violation issued by a Zoning Inspector; or

      (8)    Unoccupied with a mortgage status of abandonment (i.e. deceased or foreclosed); or

      (9)    Unoccupied and abandoned by the property owner.

   (e)    “Evidence of vacancy.” Any condition that on its own or combined with other conditions present would lead a reasonable person to believe the property is vacant. Such conditions include, but are not limited to: significantly below standard utility usage, overgrown and/or dead vegetation, accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers and/or mail, accumulation of trash, junk, and/or debris, broken or boarded up windows, abandoned vehicles, auto parts or materials, the absence of window coverings, such as curtains, blinds, and/or shutters, the absence of furnishings and/or personal items consistent with habitation or occupation, statement(s) by governmental employee(s) that the property is vacant.

   (f)   “Blighted.” A building or other structure that is so poorly maintained that its condition, directly or indirectly, represents a threat to the health or safety of the general public or to persons living on adjoining property or in the area; constitutes an unsanitary condition; lends itself to habitation or infestation by rodents, termites or other vermin; or represents a threat to property values or to the residential or commercial desirability of adjoining property or other property within the area.
(Ord. 2012-061. Passed 9-4-12.)