For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY BUILDING. A supplemental and subordinate building or structure on the same lot as the principal or main building but not part of the main building.
ALTERED. Any modification, addition, or change in construction or type of occupancy; any change or rearrangement in the structural parts of a building; any enlargement of a building, whether by extending a side or by increasing its height; or the moving from one location to another.
APPROVED. Approval by the Code Administrator in accordance with the provisions and purposes of this subchapter.
BUILDING. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals or property.
DWELLING. Any building or portion thereof, which is designed or used exclusively for residential purposes.
ERECTED. The construction, alteration, reconstruction, moving upon, or any physical activity upon a lot.
INCOMBUSTIBLE. Material that will not by itself ignite when its temperature and that of the surrounding air is 1,200°F.
MASONRY. Stone, brick, structural clay tile, concrete masonry units, gypsum tile or block, structural glass block or other similar building units or materials of a combination of same bonded together with mortar. MASONRY also includes plain concrete.
PRIVATE GARAGE. An accessory building or an accessory portion of a principal building designed or used solely for the storage of noncommercial motor vehicles, boats, house trailers, and similar vehicles owned and used by the occupants of the building to which it is accessory.
STORIES. That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the next floor above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it and shall include all floors whose levels do not exceed 50% of the main floor level measured between the floor and ceiling. No less than seven and one-half foot ceilings shall be permitted.
STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS. Any change in the supporting members of a building such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders, or any substantial changes in the roof and exterior walls.
(1990 Code, § 8.4)