For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(A) DIRECTOR OF FINANCE.
The Director of Finance of the City of Piqua, Ohio.
(B) HOTEL
or
MOTEL.
Every establishment kept, used, maintained, advertised or held out to the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are offered for a consideration to guests, in which five or more rooms are used for the accommodation of such guests, whether such rooms are in one or several structures.
(C) LODGING.
One or two or more connecting rooms in which sleeping accommodations are provided for a transient guest(s).
(D) OCCUPANCY.
The use or possession, or the right to the use or possession of any room or rooms or space or portion thereof, in any hotel or motel for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes. The use or possession or right to use or possess any room or any suite of connecting rooms as office space, banquet or private dining rooms, or exhibit, sample or display space shall not be considered occupancy within the meaning of this definition unless the person exercising occupancy uses or possesses, or has the right to use or possess all or any position of such room or suite of rooms for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes.
(E) OPERATOR.
The person who is the proprietor of the hotel or motel, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, licensee, mortgagee in possession, or any other capacity. Where the operator performs his or her functions through a managing agent of any type or character, other than an employee, the managing agent shall be deemed an operator for the purposes of this section, and shall have the same duties and liabilities as his principal. Compliance with the provisions of this section, by either the principal or the managing agent shall, however, be considered to be in compliance by both.
(F) PERSON.
Any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, social club, fraternal organization, joint stock company, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, trustee, syndicate, or any other group or combination acting as a unit.
(G) RENT.
The consideration received for occupancy valued in money, whether received in money or otherwise, including all receipts, cash, credits, and property or services of any kind or nature, and also any amount for which the occupant is liable for the occupancy without any deduction there from whatsoever.
(H) TAX.
Unless otherwise specified, the tax levied and imposed hereby.
(I) TRANSIENT GUESTS.
Persons occupying a room or rooms for sleeping accommodations for less than 30 consecutive days.
(Ord. 4-05, passed 4-4-05)