(a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OCCUPANT. Includes:
A. A person who is in physical possession of a property; or
B. A person who has responsibility for, and control over, the condition of a property, the activities conducted on that property, and the persons allowed to enter that property.
OWNER. Includes:
A. In the case of land, any person who is recorded on the tax records as the owner of land; or
B. In the case of property other than land, any person who is in lawful possession thereof.
PERSON. Includes any individual, corporation, society, association, partnership, or firm, and the successor or the heir, executor, administrators, or other legal representatives of a person.
SIDEWALK. The part of a highway especially adopted to the use of or ordinarily used by pedestrians and includes that part of the highway between the curb line (or the edge of the roadway where there is no curb line) and the adjacent property line, whether or not paved or improved.
(b) Owner responsibility. Every occupant, owner, or person of every house, shop, building, lot, parcel of land, or other property that adjoins or is abutting to or on a sidewalk in the city shall be charged with the responsibility to keep such sidewalk in a good state of repair and free from defects and debris. Failure to maintain could result in the city undertaking such repair or remedy and charging back to the property owner. On any claim presented for bodily injury or property damage on the sidewalk, the adjoining or abutting property owner shall be held liable in tort for such damages to another. Alternatively, should the city be called upon to make such payment to a third party, the city will look to the adjoining/abutting landowner for contribution and indemnity.