For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. As applied to a building or structure, means a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities; as enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the moving from one location or position to another; and the term ALTER in its various moods and tenses and its participle refers to the making of an alteration.
APPROVED. As applied to a material, device or mode of construction, means approved by the Inspector under this chapter or by other authority designated by law to give approval in the matter in question.
AREA.
(1) As applied to the dimensions of a building, means the maximum horizontal projected area of the building; and
(2) As applied to the dimensions of a room, means the total square footage of floor area between finished walls.
BASEMENT. A story with 50% or more of its cubical volume below finished grade.
BUILDING. For the purposes of this chapter, any structure built for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind. The term BUILDING shall be construed as if followed by the phrase “or part thereof.”
CITY COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Lowell.
CLOSE. Securing the building or structure so that unauthorized persons cannot gain entrance.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. The person who has been designated by the City Manager to enforce this chapter.
DEMOLISH. The demolition and removal of the entire building or structure, leaving the property free and clear of any debris and without holes or pockets which may retain water.
EXTERMINATION. The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping or by any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved by the Inspector.
GARBAGE. Waste materials including, without limitation, the byproduct of animal or vegetable foodstuffs, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard waste, tins, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery, dust and the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke and other combustible material.
INFESTATION. The presence, within or around a building or structure, of any insects, rodents or other pests in such number as to constitute a menace to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or public.
INSPECTOR. Any person who is authorized by the code enforcement official to conduct inspections for the purpose of this chapter.
NONRESIDENTIAL. Any building or structure that is not a dwelling, lodging establishment, manufactured home or rooming house.
OWNER. The holder of title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.
PARRY IN INTEREST. All individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a nonresidential building or structure and any who are in possession thereof.
PIER. A masonry or other material support extending from the ground and footing to and supporting the building or portion thereof. Pier sizes and spacing shall conform to the specifications of the State Building Code.
PLUMBING. Includes all of the following supplied facilities and equipment: gas pipes, gas-burning equipment, water pipes, mechanical sink grinders, waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes washing machines, catchbasins, drains, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
PROPERTY. Any lot or parcel of land inclusive of any building, structures or improvements located thereon.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY. Any authority or officer of any department or branch of the government of the city, county or state who is in charge of administering and enforcing regulations relating to health, fire, public safety, buildings or other activities concerning buildings or structures in the city.
STATE BUILDING CODE. The North Carolina State Building Code or any superseding regulation.
VACANT. That a building or structure has not been used for its intended purpose or for any lawful purpose for a period of at least 180 consecutive days.
VACANT INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE. Any building or structure designed for the storage of goods or equipment in connection with manufacturing processes, which has not been used for that purpose for at least one year and has not been converted to another use.
VACANT MANUFACTURING FACILITY. Any building or structure previously used for the lawful production or manufacturing of goods, which has not been used for that purposes for at least one year and has not been converted to another use.
(Ord. passed 9- -2010)