For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words used herein shall be interpreted as follows, terms not herein defined shall have the meanings customarily assigned to them:
ABANDONED. A property that is vacant as a result of the relinquishment of possession or control by a mortgager or the mortgager's assigns whether or not the mortgager or mortgager's assigns have relinquished equity and title.
ASSESSED VALUE. The assessed value of a property is determined by the City Assessor’s Office according to established assessment practices and guidelines.
CODE OFFICIAL. The official who is charged with the administration and enforcement of this subchapter, or any duly authorized agent.
DANGEROUS BUILDING. Any dwelling or structure that is in violation of any condition referenced in § 92.001 of this code.
FORECLOSURE. The process by which a lien, mortgage or security interest is enforced against a parcel of real property. A parcel of real property for which there is any of the following shall constitute a FORECLOSED PROPERTY:
(1) A notice of foreclosure;
(2) A notice of trustee's sale;
(3) A foreclosure sale of the real property where the title to the real property was retained by the beneficiary of the mortgage;
(4) A pending tax sale; and
(5) Any transfer of title under a deed in lieu of foreclosure or deed in lieu of sale.
LANDSCAPING. Shall include, without limitation, items such as trees, shrubs, plants, grass, ground cover including mulch and rocks, borders, ornamental fences, items and structures.
NOTICE OF VIOLATION. A notice issued to the owner or responsible local agent stating that there has been a violation of a provision of this subchapter or any other applicable codes, ordinances, rules or regulations concerning the premises.
OWNER. Any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the premises.
PROPERTY. Any unimproved or improved real property within the City of Hamtramck and includes the building and structures located on the property regardless of condition.
RESPONSIBLE LOCAL AGENT. The responsible local agent shall be an individual person, and shall be either the property owner, representative of a corporation, partnership, firm, joint venture, trust, association, organization, or other entity having a legal or equitable interest in the property, or designated by the owner as responsible for operating the premises in compliance with all the provisions of the city codes and ordinances. All official notices and violations may be issued to the responsible local agent, and any notice so issued shall be deemed to have been issued upon the owner of record.
SECURE MANOR. Includes, but is not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors (including garage doors), gates and any other opening that may allow access the property and structure.
VACANT PROPERTY. An improved or unimproved lot or parcel of real property that is not currently legally used or occupied for a period of 30 days. Exceptions:
(1) A building or structure which remains furnished, has active utilities in use, and is consistently maintained by the owner while not occupied.
(2) The vacancy of an individual dwelling unit in a multi-family dwelling or apartment building.
(3) The vacancy of individual tenant units in a commercial building that has multiple tenant spaces with one common access.
(4) A building under construction that meets all of the following conditions:
(a) There is a current and valid building permit on file with the city;
(b) There is significant and continuous progress being made toward completion of the building and/or project;
(c) The contractor, owner or tenant secures the property and takes all other necessary safety precautions;
(d) The contractor, owner or tenant takes all reasonable measures to maintain the exterior of the property in compliance with all applicable codes; and
(e) Otherwise complies with this chapter and all other applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
(5) A community garden used to the benefit of the community and environment.
(6) For unimproved lots or parcels, those that abut or act as the yard of improved and occupied properties shall be exempt. The lot must be combined to satisfy this requirement.
(Ord. , passed - - 2013; Am. Ord. 2016-05, passed 9-6-2016; Am. Res. 2023-158b, passed 11-14-2023)