For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CONTIGUOUS. Sharing a common wall, floor, or ceiling.
GUEST. Any person renting, occupying, or having actual possession of a guest room in a lodging establishment.
GUEST ROOM. Any room established and maintained for use as a sleeping area for temporary or long-term occupancy in a lodging establishment.
HABITUAL NON-COMPLIANCE. Three or more investigations of a lodging establishment with investigation reports within the last two years demonstrating:
(1) Three consecutive investigations documenting the same violation without significant progress or actions to remediate the violation; or
(2) Four non-consecutive investigations documenting the same violation without significant progress or actions to remediate the violation.
HARBORAGE. Any place where pests can live, nest, seek shelter, or reproduce. This includes, but is not limited to, cardboard boxes, trash, unused tires, unused appliances, and building materials.
HEALTH OFFICER. The County Health Officer having jurisdiction in the county, or the duly authorized representative.
INFESTATION. The presence of any pest in the lodging establishment which is deemed likely to pose a hazard to public health through disease, injury, or sickness.
INVESTIGATION. An inspection of the lodging establishment during normal business hours to ensure the minimum standards set forth by this chapter are met. The INVESTIGATION is initiated by a complaint received from an agency or a member of the public.
INVESTIGATION REPORT. The document prepared by the County Health Department that is completed as a result of the investigation, and provided to the owner of the lodging establishment.
LODGING ESTABLISHMENT.
(1) A hotel, motel, or inn located in the county where space is leased, rented, or otherwise occupied in which sleeping accommodations are provided for a guest for either short or long-term stays.
(2) This definition does not include apartments, private homes, bed and breakfast establishments, dormitories, or boarding houses.
OWNER. Any person who alone, jointly, or severally with others:
(1) Has legal title to any lodging establishment, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; or
(2) Has charge, care, or control of the lodging establishment as OWNER, or agent of the OWNER, or an executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person thus representing the actual OWNER shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto to the same extent as if this person were the OWNER.
PERSON. Includes, but not limited to, an individual, corporation, firm, partnership, proprietorship, association, business organization, municipality, or any other group acting as a unit, as well as an individual, trust, or estate, or the agent or legal representative thereof.
PEST. An insect, rodent, or other animal that creates a public health risk or nuisance, including but not limited to, a bed bug, rodent, cockroach, flea, or ant.
UNSANITARY OR UNLAWFUL CONDUCT. Any condition that may transmit, generate, or promote disease, injury, or sickness. This would include the existence on the premises of an unsanitary condition that is likely to cause sickness to a guest due to an infestation or gross unsanitary condition. Examples would include, but are not limited to, harborage or infestation conditions.
VIOLATION. The lack of compliance to this chapter, including the existence of an unsanitary or unlawful condition.
(Ord. 2019-27, passed 7-23-2019)