For purposes of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Where the context will permit and no definitions are provided herein, the definitions provided in the applicable Building Code will apply.
ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY. Any real property that is vacant and/or is under a public notice of default, notice of mortgagee’s sale, pending tax assessor’s lien sale and/or properties that have been the subject of a foreclosure sale where title is retained by the mortgagee, and any properties transferred under a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure sale, short sale, or any other legal means in lieu of foreclosure.
DEFAULT. The mortgagee filed a foreclosure action or public notice of default on the mortgage. A mortgage shall be considered in DEFAULT at such time as the mortgagee declares said mortgage to be in default either in writing, by recording a lis pendens, or by its actions, or commences foreclosure proceedings.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Any law enforcement officer, building official, problem resolution team, fire inspector or code enforcement officer employed by the city.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY. Any condition that on its own, or combined with other conditions present would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is vacant. Such conditions may include, but not be limited to, overgrown and/or dead vegetation, broken windows or doors, electricity, water, or other utilities turned off, statements by neighbors, passers-by, delivery agents, or government agents, among other evidence.
FORECLOSURE. The judicial process by which a property placed as a security for a mortgage loan, after a judicial process, is to be sold at an auction to satisfy a debt upon which the borrower has defaulted.
LANDSCAPING. Includes, but is not limited to, grass, ground cover, bushes, shrubs, hedges, or similar plantings, decorative rock, or bark or artificial turf/sod designed specifically for residential, commercial, or industrial installation, as applicable.
VACANT. Any building or structure that is not regularly and lawfully occupied or inhabited by human beings.
(Prior Code, § 150.551) (Ord. 1980, passed 6-23-2014)