For purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BOARDED BUILDING. A vacant building or portion of a vacant building whose doors and windows have been covered with plywood or other material for the purpose of preventing entry into the vacant building by persons or animals.
BUILDING. Any structure including, but not limited to, any residential, commercial, industrial, or assembly structure, approved for occupancy on either a lot of record or within a single project approved by the city pursuant to the city's zoning ordinance.
BUILDING OFFICIAL. The Director of the Department of Building and Safety for the city, or the designee of the Director of Building and Safety.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY. Any real property condition that independently, or in the context of the totality of circumstances relevant to that real property would lead a reasonable person to believe that a property is vacant or occupied by a person without a legal right of occupancy. Such real property conditions include but are not limited to: overgrown or dead vegetation; accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail; past due utility notices or disconnected utilities; accumulation of trash, junk or debris; the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds or shutters; the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with residential habitation; and/or statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, government employees that the property is vacant.
LOCAL. Within 40 driving miles of the building, structure or real property in question.
OUT OF AREA. In excess of 40 road or driving miles of the subject property.
OWNER. Any person, partnership, association, corporation, fiduciary or other legal entity having a legal or equitable title or any interest in real property.
OWNER OF RECORD. The person holding recorded title to the real property in question at any point in time when official records are produced by the Madera County Recorder's office.
VACANT BUILDING. An unoccupied or an illegally occupied structure or an occupied structure without adequate facilities/utilities.
(Ord. 877 C.S., passed 9-15-10)