For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED VEHICLES. Shall have the same meaning as I.C. 9-13-2-1, which includes but is not limited to any motor vehicle that is at least three model years old, is mechanically inoperable, and is left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than 20 days. Farm equipment, farm implements, or machinery parts that are, or may be, used in agricultural operations, or may be considered antique farming implements are not ABANDONED VEHICLES for the purposes of this Chapter 94.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. The Morgan County Department of Planning and Zoning shall be responsible for the administration of this subchapter until and unless the Board of Commissioners determine it is necessary to designate another agency or employee of the county to do so; this person(s) shall also be referred to as the Code Enforcement Official throughout this chapter.
GARBAGE. Includes putrescible animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food, and any refuse, rubbish, and yard waste as defined herein.
HEARING AUTHORITY. The Board of Commissioners or their designee who is responsible for hearing appeals for a notice of violation and/or appeals on abatement costs.
JUNK. Shall include, without limitation, abandoned vehicles, parts of vehicles, scrap iron and/or other metals, wood, paper, rags, rubber tires, bottles, and/or any dismantled household appliances or parts thereof, whether inoperable or operable.
NUISANCE. Whatever is:
(1) Injurious to health;
(2) Indecent;
(3) Offensive to the senses; or
(4) An obstruction to the free use of property; so as essentially to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property, is a nuisance, and the subject of an action (I.C. 32-30-6-6).
OWNER. A person holding legal or equitable title to real property used for residential or commercial purposes within the unincorporated limits of Morgan County, Indiana.
PERSON. An individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or any commercial association or venture, however defined.
PUTRESCIBLE. Substances which are subject to organic decomposition.
REFUSE. All putrescible and nonputrescible solid wastes, including animal wastes, and ashes.
RUBBISH. Nonputrescible solid wastes consisting of both combustible and noncombustible wastes, such as paper, cardboard, tin cans, wood, glass, bedding, crockery, construction debris, and similar materials.
WEEDS and RANK VEGETATION. Any excessive growth of vegetation, other than trees, bushes, shrubs, ornamental plants, that is 12 inches or more in height and/or listed as a weed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture publication entitled "Common Weeds of the United States", or in any similar government publication. This term does not include agricultural crops, including hay and pasture, which are maintained for that purpose in areas crops are permitted to be grown and does not include portions of a golf course or golf course property which are intended to remain as wooded areas or hazard areas associated with the golf course.
YARD WASTE. Severed grass, weeds, leaves, brush, tree trimmings, hedge clipping and other yard and garden materials.
(Ord. 2021-10, passed 10-18-2021)