1478.02   DEFINITIONS.
   The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation of this chapter:
   (a)   Building. A structure, either temporary or permanent, having a roof supported by columns, or walls, and intended for shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. The term "building" shall specifically include a dwelling as defined and included within the application of M.C.L.A. 125.538 et seq., as amended.
   (b)   Dangerous Building.  A building or structure that has one or more of the following defects or is in one or more of the following conditions:
      (1)   A door, aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit does not conform to the Fire Code.
      (2)   A portion of the building or structure is damaged by fire, wind, flood or other cause so that the structural strength or stability of the building or structure is appreciably less than it was before the catastrophe and does not meet the minimum requirements of this chapter or the Building Code for a new building or structure, purpose or location.
      (3)   A part of the building or structure is likely to fall, become detached or dislodged, or collapse and injure persons or damage property.
      (4)   A portion of the building or structure has settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions of the building or structure have materially less resistance to winds than is required in the case of new construction by the Building Code.
      (5)   The building or structure, a part of the building or structure, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction, or the removal or movement of some portion of the ground necessary for the support, or for any other reason, is likely to partially or completely collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning of the building or structure is likely to fall or give way.
      (6)   The building, structure, or a part of the building or structure, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is used.
      (7)   The building or structure is damaged by fire, wind or flood, or is dilapidated or deteriorated and becomes an attractive nuisance to children who might play in the building or structure to their danger, or becomes a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or enables persons to resort to the building or structure for committing a nuisance or an unlawful or immoral act.
      (8)   A building or structure used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, including the adjoining grounds, because of dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, or otherwise, is unsanitary or unfit for human habitation, is in a condition that the health officer determines is likely to cause sickness or disease, or is likely to injure the health, safety, or general welfare of people living in the dwelling.
      (9)   A building or structure is vacant, dilapidated and open at the door or window, leaving the interior of the building exposed to the elements or accessible to the entrance by trespassers.
      (10)   A building or structure remains unoccupied for a period of 180 consecutive days or longer, and is not listed as being available for sale, lease, or rent with a real estate broker licensed under Article 25 of the Occupational Code, Act No. 299 of the Public Acts of 1980, being M.C.L.A. 339.2501 to 339.2515. For purposes of this division, "building or structure" includes, but is not limited to, a commercial building or structure. This division does not apply to either of the following:
         A.   A building or structure as to which the owner or agent does both of the following:
            1.   Notifies the Building Official that the building or structure will remain unoccupied for a period of 180 consecutive days. The notice shall be given to the Building Official by the owner or agent not more than 30 days after the building or structure becomes unoccupied.
            2.   Maintains the exterior of the building or structure and adjoining grounds in accordance with this chapter or the Building Code.
         B.   A secondary dwelling of the owner that is regularly unoccupied for a period of 180 days or longer each year, if the owner notifies the Building Official that the dwelling will remain unoccupied for a period of 180 consecutive days or more each year. An owner who has given the notice prescribed by this division shall notify the Building Official not more than 30 days after the dwelling no longer qualifies for this exception. As used in this division "secondary dwelling" means a dwelling such as a vacation home, hunting cabin, or summer home, that is occupied by the owner or a member of the owner's family during part of a year.
   (c)   Structure.  Anything constructed or erected and designed for a permanent location on the ground.
(Ord. 2000-117.  Passed 11-13-00.)