For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DAYS. Consecutive calendar days.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY. Any aesthetic condition that on its own or combined with other conditions present would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is vacant. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, overgrown or dead vegetation, extensively chipped or peeling exterior paint, exterior walls in poor condition, porches and steps in poor condition, roof in poor condition, broken windows and other signs of general disrepair, accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail, past due utility notices or disconnected utilities, accumulation of trash, junk or debris, the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds, or shutters, the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with commercial habitation, statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, government employees that the property is vacant.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Any public body having authority over the property and residents of the town, including but not limited to the Town of Richlands, Onslow County, Richlands Police Department, Richlands Volunteer Fire Department, Onslow County Sheriffs Office.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. Any public official representing a public body which has authority over the property and residents of the town, including but not limited to the Town Administrator, County Building Inspector, Town Police Chief, County Fire Marshall, Town Mayor.
HISTORIC DISTRICT. The state-designated Richlands Historic District, as listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or defined in the ordinances establishing the Richlands Historic District Commission.
LOCAL. Located within 40 road or driving miles distance of the subject property.
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. Any real property used or intended to be used for anything other than residential property as defined herein.
OUT OF AREA. Located in excess of 40 road or driving miles distance away from the subject property.
OWNER. Any person, partnership, association, corporation or fiduciary having a legal or equitable title or any interest in any real property. No trustee in any Deed of Trust shall be considered an owner.
OWNER OF RECORD. The person or entity listed on recorded deed, probated will or heir by intestacy.
PROPERTY. Any unimproved or improved real property or portion thereof, situated in the town and includes the buildings or structures located on the property regardless of condition.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. A building, or portion thereof, designed exclusively for residential occupancy, including one-family, two-family, multiple dwellings, mobile homes, house trailers, boarding and lodging houses, apartment houses, and apartment hotels.
TOWN. The Town of Richlands corporate limits and its extra territorial jurisdiction.
UTILITIES. Water, sewer, telephone, natural and propane gas, and electricity services.
VACANT. A property that has not been legally occupied for 180 days. Legally occupied means occupancy by the owner or any business or individual whose presence therein is with the consent of the owner with utilities furnished to the property.
(Ord. 2014-05, passed 10-14-14)