The responsible person is responsible for abating nuisances pursuant to this chapter. Any person, whether as owner, agent or occupant, who creates, aids in creating, or contributes to a nuisance, or who supports, continues or retains a nuisance, is responsible for the nuisance and is, therefor, a "responsible person" pursuant to this chapter. Such responsible person shall be liable to the city for any expenses incurred by the city in connection with the abatement of the nuisance. Every successive owner or tenant of a property or premises who fails to abate a continuing nuisance upon or in the use of such property or premises caused by a former owner or tenant is responsible therefor in the same manner as the one who first created it. (1984 Code § 8.20.050)