For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CODE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. A certificate issued by the village that the structure is in compliance with all applicable state law and Village Code requirements, including § 98.18
.
OWNER. Any person or entity with legal or equitable ownership or possessory interest in any residential, commercial or industrial structure. The owner shall include, but not be limited to, a bank, credit union, trustee, financial institution or trust which is in possession (in whole or in part) of the real property while foreclosing a lien or mortgage interest in the affected property, but may or may not have legal or equitable title.
VACANT PROPERTY. A residential, commercial, or industrial structure that remains unoccupied for a period in excess of 30 days, subject to the following:
(1) VACANT PROPERTY does not mean property that is temporarily unoccupied while the residents are away on vacation, or while away tending to personal or business matters.
(2) Property which is unoccupied in excess of 30 days and offered for sale or lease constitutes vacant property and is not exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
(3) For properties that are more than 1 story, an unoccupied street level story constitutes a vacant building.
(4) A building that has unoccupied street level storefront suite in the building, regardless of whether another storefront suite in the same building is occupied, constitutes a vacant building.
(5) A building in which a lawful business that was once open for regular business hours (with the exception of holidays and seasonal businesses) ceases operation for more than 30 days constitutes a vacant building. A lawful business means the current use of the structure for which the structure was built or intended to be used.
(Ord. 310, passed 8-1-2022; Am. Ord. 319, passed 4-3-2023)