Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this code, have the meanings indicated. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the Building or Zoning Codes, they shall have the same meaning ascribed to them as in those codes. Where terms are not defined under the provisions of the Building and Zoning Codes, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context herein may imply.
(a) Deterioration means the condition or appearance of the exterior of a building or part thereof, characterized by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, cracking, peeling, rusting, or other evidence of physical decay, neglect, or lack of maintenance.
(b) Duplex means a residence designed and consisting of two separate dwelling units.
(c) Dwelling unit means a group of rooms arranged, maintained or designed to be occupied by a single family and consists of the following: a complete bathroom with toilet, lavatory and tub or shower facilities; one, and only one, complete kitchen or kitchenette with approved cooking, refrigeration and sink facilities; and approved living and sleeping facilities; all of which are used exclusively by such family and by any authorized persons occupying such dwelling unit with the family.
(d) Exterior of the Premises means those portions of a structure on the premises including fences which are exposed to public view.
(e) Infestation means the presence of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests on the premises which constitute a health hazard.
(f) Nuisance means that which is defined by the statutes of the State of Ohio and declared thereby to be a nuisance, and also includes conditions dangerous to human life or detrimental to the health of persons on or near the premises where the conditions exist, and where the conditions are perilous by active and negligent operation thereof, and unsanitary conditions or anything offensive to the senses or dangerous to health.
(g) Occupant means any person living and sleeping in a dwelling unit or having actual possession of said dwelling unit or any person who leases or rents a non- residential building, structure, or any portion thereof.
(h) Owner means any person, who, alone or jointly or severally with others, shall have legal or equitable title to any premises, with or without the accompanying actual possession thereof; or shall have charge, care or control as owner or agent of the owner; or as executor, administrator, trustee, receiver or guardian of an estate, or as a mortgagee in possession.
(i) Person includes any individual, corporation, association, partnership, trustee, lessee, agent or assignee.
(j) Premises means a lot, plot, or parcel of land, including the buildings or structures thereon.
(k) Property Maintenance Inspector means the Director of Planning of the City of Mentor or his duly designated representative.
(l) Rental unit means a duplex or single family residence which is occupied by a tenant or tenant(s) for a stated return, consideration or payment usually at fixed intervals.
(m) Single family means a residence designed and consisting of one separate dwelling unit. (1969 Code l56.104; Ord. 18-O-075. Passed 9-4-18.)