For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED VEHICLE.
(1) Any vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 48 hours.
(2) A vehicle that is mechanically inoperable, and left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than 20 days.
ACCUMULATE. As pertaining to junk and trash, means any one of the following.
(1) Improperly collecting junk and trash in an inappropriate storage container.
(2) Collecting junk and trash in an accumulation greater than three cubic yards.
BUSINESS ZONE. The zones used for business including B-1 Neighborhood Business Zone, B-2 Rural Business Zone, and B-3 General Business Zone, as classified in the county zoning ordinance.
COMPOST. The product produced by the process of composting vegetative matter, and other types of organic material.
COMPOSTING. The biological treatment process by which microorganisms decompose the organic components of vegetative matter, and other types of organic material, under controlled conditions to produce a usable product.
COUNTY. The County of Spencer, State of Indiana.
HEARING AUTHORITY. The County Commissioners, or any person(s) designated as such by the Commissioners under authority of I.C. 36-7-9-2.
HIGHWAY or ROAD. The portion of the state or county public highway or road system so designated on the general highway and transportation map, as amended, which are kept by the State Department of Transportation and the County Highway Department.
JUNK. Combustible and non-combustible waste materials; the term shall include paper, rags, tin, metals, residue from burning, and household goods, including, but not limited to, mattresses, furniture, major appliances, clothing, and other household items not intended for exposure to rain and other inclement weather.
JUNK VEHICLE. Vehicles that are inoperable or incapable of movement by their own locomotion or power, or vehicles without a valid current state registration and license plate.
PERSON. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.
RESIDENTIAL ZONE. The zone used for single-family or multi-family dwellings, per the county zoning ordinance.
SECOND VIOLATION. A violation that is committed by a person within two calendar years of a previous violation.
SHERIFF. The duly-elected Sheriff of the county, or a duly-appointed Deputy Sheriff of the County Sheriff’s Department.
STANDARD CONTAINER. Sturdy, tied plastic bags, or durable metal, plastic, or similarly constructed container designed for the storage of garbage. Food scraps and other household trash that attracts animals and/or rodents must be placed in a vermin-proof and waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid.
TRASH. The animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.
VISIBLE. Capable of being seen by a person of normal visual activity using the state highway, county road, or his or her own real property.
WEEDS. Any growth of vegetation, other than trees, bushes, shrubs, ornamental plants, or agricultural plants cultivated in an orderly manner for the purpose of producing food and/or feed.
(Ord. 2008-14, passed 12-1-2008; Ord. 2021-14, passed 12-21-2021)