The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
DEMOLISH/DEMOLITION. The destruction and removal of the entire building, leaving the property free and clear of any debris, and without holes or pockets which may retain water.
DETERIORATED. Dwelling that may be unfit for human habitation and can be repaired, altered, or improved to comply with all of the minimum standards established by this subchapter at a cost not in excess of 50% of its value, as determined by the findings of the Housing Inspector.
DILAPIDATED. A dwelling that is unfit for human habitation and cannot be improved, repaired, or altered to comply with all of the minimum standards established by this subchapter except at a cost in excess of 50% of its value, as determined by the findings of the Housing Inspector.
DWELLING. Any building, structure, manufactured home or mobile home, or part thereof, which is wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, or human habitation, and includes any structures and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith. The term DWELLING shall include within its meaning the terms "dwelling unit," "rooming house" and "rooming unit," or any part thereof.
GOVERNING BODY. The Stoneville Town Council.
HOUSING INSPECTOR. The County Chief Building Inspector or his designees who are certified to do building inspections.
OCCUPANT. Any person living, sleeping, cooking or eating in, or having actual possession of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit.
OPERATOR/LANDLORD. Any person who has charge, care, or control of a building, or part thereof, in which dwelling units or rooming units are let.
OWNER. The holder of the title in fee simple and any mortgagee of record.
PARTIES IN INTEREST. All persons who have interests of record in a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit and persons who are in possession thereof, including, but not limited, to the mortgagee.
PERSON. Any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, association, organization, or other legal entity.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY. The Stoneville Town Council or its designee, or any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the county or the state relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning dwellings in the county.
ROOMING HOUSE. Any dwelling, or that part of any dwelling containing one or more rooming units, in which space is let by the owner or operator to persons who are not husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father, sister, or brother of the owner or operator.
UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION. A dwelling in which any of the following conditions exist:
(1) Lack of connection to a potable water supply and/or to a public sewer or other approved sewage disposal system;
(2) Damage from fire, wind or other causes in such amount as to render the dwelling unsafe;
(3) Interior walls or studs which list, lean or buckle to such an extent as to render the dwelling unsafe;
(4) Floors or roofs which are overloaded or have insufficient strength to be reasonably safe for the purpose used;
(5) Lack of proper electrical, heating, or plumbing facilities which constitute an imminent health or safety hazard; and/or
(6) Lack of proper ventilation or sanitation to such an extent as to render the dwelling unsafe due to health or safety hazards.
(Ord. passed 9-1-2021)