For the purpose of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given to them:
BUILDING: A structure erected for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattel, or movable property of any kind.
DWELLING: A building, or portion thereof, designed or used for residential or business occupancy, including one-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings. Whenever the word "dwellings" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed as though it was followed by the words "or any part thereof".
DWELLING UNIT: One room or rooms connected together constituting a separate, independent housekeeping unit for owner occupancy, or rental or lease on a weekly, monthly, or longer basis, and physically separated from any other rooms or dwelling units which may be in the same structure, and containing independent cooking, toilet and sleeping facilities. Whenever the term "dwelling units" is used in this Chapter, it is to be construed as though it was followed by the words "or any part thereof".
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: A person designated by the City Administrator to administer and enforce this Chapter, or his or her designee.
GARBAGE: Putrescible animal and vegetable wastes, including those resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.
HABITABLE: Fit to be lived in.
NUISANCE: A. A public nuisance known as such under common law or in equity or recognized by Minnesota Statutes or the City Code.
B. A public nuisance which may prove detrimental to children whether in a building, on the premises of a building, or upon an unoccupied lot. This includes, but is not limited to, any abandoned wells, shafts, basements, or excavations; abandoned refrigerators in a hazardous condition; unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles; or any structurally unsound fences or structures; or any lumber, garbage, rubbish, fences, or debris which may become a hazard for inquisitive minors.
C. Overcrowding a room with occupants.
D. Insufficient ventilation or illumination.
E. Inadequate or unsanitary sewage or plumbing facilities.
F. Uncleanliness.
G. Any situation or activity which renders air, food, or drink unwholesome or detrimental to the health of human beings.
H. Any condition which is offensive or has a blighting influence on the community.
I. Any other activity or situation that is dangerous to human life or is detrimental to health.
OCCUPANCY: A taking or possessing of something.
OWNER: A person who, alone, jointly, or severally with others, shall be in actual possession of, or have charge, care, or control of, any dwelling or dwelling unit within the City as owner, employee, or agent of the owner, or as trustee or guardian of the estate of person of the title holder. A person representing the actual owner must comply with the provisions of this Chapter to the same extent as the owner.
PUBLIC AREA: Those areas which are normally open to the general public or the occupants of more than one dwelling unit of a multiple-family dwelling.
REFUSE: Putrescible and nonputrescible solids including garbage and rubbish.
RESIDENCE: A place of habitation.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY: A. Agent;
B. Designee or collector of rents;
C. Holder of a contract for deed;
D. Receiver, executor, or trustee;
E. Lessee;
F. Other person, firm, or corporation exercising control over a party.
RODENT HARBORAGE: A shelter where rodents are liable to live, nest, or seek shelter.
RODENTS: An infestation of vermin such as rats, mice, skunks, snakes, bats, grackles, starlings, pigeons, bees, wasps, cockroaches, or flies.
RUBBISH: Nonputrescible solid wastes consisting of both combustible and noncombustible wastes, such as paper, cardboard, tin cans, grass and shrubbery clippings, wood, glass, brick, plaster, bedding, crockery, cement, and similar materials.
STRUCTURE: Anything erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent location on the ground; or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground. Whenever the word "structure" is used in this Chapter, it shall be construed as though it was followed by the words "or any part thereof".
YARD: All ground, lawn, court, walk, driveway, or other space constituting part of the same premises. (Ord. XVIII.10, 9-2-1997)