For the purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUILDING. A building, accessory structure, mobile or modular structure, or other structure used for commercial, residential or mixed purposes.
CALENDAR YEAR. A period of one year starting January 1 of the given year and ends on December 31 of the same given year.
CITY. The City of Loup City, Nebraska.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY. Having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services), industrial uses, industrial manufacturing and ancillary business functions.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING. A building with more than 50% of its floor space use for commercial activity. For the purposes of this section, floor space shall be designated as the area on the main or street level of the building.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY. Any condition or circumstance that on its own or in combination with other conditions or circumstances would lead a reasonable person to believe that a commercial building or residential building is vacant. Such conditions or circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Lack of active utility service accounts for at least 180 consecutive days;
(2) Overgrown or dead vegetation, including grass, shrubbery, and other plantings;
(3) An accumulation of abandoned personal property, trash, or other waste;
(4) Visible deterioration, unsecured building, or lack of maintenance of any building on the property;
(5) Graffiti or other defacement of any building on the property; or
(6) Any other condition or circumstances reasonably indicating that the property is not occupied for commercial or residential purposes or being used for the operation of a lawful business.
OWNER. The person, persons or entity shown to be the owner or owners of record on the records of the Sherman County Register of Deeds.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. A house, condominium, townhouse, apartment complex or trailer house.
VACANT. That a commercial or residential building exhibits evidence of vacancy. Storage does not constitute occupancy unless authorized by the zoning ordinance of the city.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. The person or persons authorized and empowered by the city to administer and enforce the requirements of the city zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 895, passed 8-2-2022)