For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUILDING. A structure built for the support, shelter, occupancy, or enclosure of a person, a person’s animals, chattels, or moveable property of any kind and which is permanently affixed to the ground.
BUILDING INSPECTOR. The appointed building inspector of the City of LaSalle; or if there is at any time no individual occupying and holding the position of building inspector, then until such time as the position of building inspector shall be filled, the superintendent of public works shall be the building inspector.
EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS. The open space on the premises and on adjoining property under the control of owners or operators of such premises.
MAINTENANCE. Acts of repair and other acts to maintain the premises in conformity with all codes of the City of LaSalle and/or to prevent a decline in the condition of grounds, structures, and equipment; such that the condition does not fall below the standards established by this code and all other applicable statutes, Codes and Ordinances of the City of LaSalle including but not limited to those codes set forth within the City of LaSalle Land Usage Ordinance Codes Division 150 (Building Regulation), 151 (Flood Hazard Areas), 152 (Residential Rental Property), and 153 (Zoning); 91 (Nuisance).
MAN TRAP. A small room with an entry door on one wall and an exit door on the opposite wall, when one door is unlocked the opposite door is locked.
OCCUPANT. Any person (including domestic service employees) living and/or sleeping in a building and/or having possession of a space within a building.
OPEN BUILDING. Any existing building or part thereof which is unoccupied and is deemed hazardous due to the fact that the building is open to trespass and is a fire hazard as identified by the City of LaSalle Fire Department. Buildings under construction which have a valid building permit assigned to them are not to be considered “open buildings”.
OPEN TO TRESPASS. Any building or part thereof that is in such condition as to allow entry without the use of keys or special tools by unauthorized persons, animals or fowl.
OPERATOR. Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy.
OWNER. Any person, agent, operator, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the
property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court and/or otherwise pursuant to law, and any mortgagee of the premises in possession and/or control of the premises.
PERSON. Includes an individual, corporation, partnership, co-partnership or limited liability company, as well as an individual.
PREMISES. A lot, plot or parcel of land including the buildings or structures thereon.
PUBLIC NUISANCES. Include the following:
(1) The physical condition, or use of any premises regarded as a public nuisance by common law, under the Illinois Compiled Statues, or under the City of LaSalle Code of Ordinances, including in that regard, but not limited to, Chapter 91 of the City of LaSalle Code of Ordinances regarding nuisances and the other provisions contained within Chapter 150 of the Building Regulations Chapter of the City of LaSalle Code of Ordinances; or
(2) Any physical condition, use or occupancy of any premises or its appurtenances considered an attractive nuisance to children, including, but not limited to, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, excavations, and unsafe fences or structures; or
(3) Any building which has unsanitary sewage or plumbing facilities; or
(4) Any building designated by the building inspector as unsafe for human habitation or use; or
(5) Any building which constitutes a fire hazard, or is unsafe or insecure to a degree that endangers life, limb or property; or
(6) Any premises which is unsanitary or which is littered with rubbish or garbage, or which has an uncontrolled growth of weeds; or
(7) Any building that is: dangerous; in a state of dilapidation; deterioration or decay.
RUBBISH. Combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage, and the term shall include the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke and other combustible materials, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass crockery and dust and/or other similar materials.
SECURED BUILDING. Any building or part thereof which is unoccupied but does not constitute an open building, as defined herein, and upon which the owner has enclosed any door, window, or other openings into that building by any means other than conventional construction methods used in the design of the building.
VACANT.
(1) VACANT BUILDING means any building, which is:
(a) An open building, as defined in this chapter.
(b) A secured building, as defined in this chapter.
(c) Any building which is unoccupied for over 90 days and during which time the Building Inspector has issued a notice to correct 3 or more code violations including, but not limited to, alleged violations of Chapter 150 of the City of LaSalle Code of Ordinances (Building Regulations) and/or violations of City Ordinances regarding nuisances including, but not limited to, Chapter 91 of the City of LaSalle Code of Ordinances.
(2) VACANT BUILDINGS shall not include unoccupied buildings which are undergoing construction, renovation or rehabilitation and which are in compliance with all applicable city ordinances, codes and regulations and for which construction, renovation or rehabilitation is proceeding diligently to completion. If construction has halted and the building permit has expired then the owner will be required to register as a vacant building.
WIRE MESH. Shall not be less than 23 gauge with 1/4" holes. Additionally WIRE MESH shall be installed as one continuous piece.
(Ord. 2246, passed 10-4-2010; Am. Ord. 2479, passed 3-11-2014)