For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ENCLOSED STRUCTURE. An existing building with a continuous envelope defining interior space, excepting only openings designed for doors or windows, which are intended to secure said interior space for residential or commercial use.
GARRETT COUNTY. A political subdivision of the State of Maryland, which is constituted as Garrett County, except those portions of the county that comprise municipalities organized and existing in accordance with Maryland law.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY. An occupant, landowner, tenant or any other person lawfully in possession of any real property upon which is located an unsafe structure or any person, firm, corporation or other entity who is the current or most recent owner of any real property containing an unsafe structure.
STRUCTURE. Includes residential and commercial buildings, public utilities structures and other freestanding man-made structures anchored to or sitting upon the earth.
UNSAFE STRUCTURE. One that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property, or safety of the public or occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire, or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe, or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that partial or complete collapse is possible. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry may, at the discretion of the county, be deemed unsafe.
(Ord. 2007-17, passed 12-11-2007)