All words used in this Chapter shall have their customary meanings, except those specifically defined in this section.
(a) “Approved” means approved by the code official.
(b) “Basement” means that portion of a building which is partly or completely below grade.
(c) “Blight” means a property or structure which by reason of deterioration of site or other improvements, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire or other causes, or any combination of such factors and are detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare in its present condition or use.
(d) “Building code” means the most current edition of the State of Ohio building code, or such other code as may be officially designated by the City of Tallmadge for the regulation of construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures.
(e) “Enforcement officer” means the official who is in charge with the administration and enforcement of this code, or any duly authorized representative.
(f) “Condemn” means to adjudge unfit for occupancy.
(g) “Dwelling unit” means a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
(h) “Exterior property areas” means the open space on the premises and on adjoining property under the control of owners or operators of such premises.
(i) “Garbage” means the animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.
(j) “Guard” means a building component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to a lower level.
(k) “Imminent danger” means a condition which could cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time.
(l) “Owner” means any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
(m) “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or any other group acting as a unit.
(n) "Premises” means a lot, plot, or parcel of land including the buildings or structures thereon.
(o) “Public nuisance” includes the following:
(1) The physical condition, or use of any premises regarded as a public nuisance at common law;
(2) Any physical condition, use, or occupancy of any premises or its appurtenances considered an attractive nuisance to children, including but not limited to junk, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, excavations, abandoned refrigerators, and unsafe fences or structures;
(3) Any premises designated as unsafe for human habitation or use;
(4) Any premises, which is manifestly capable of being a fire hazard or is manifestly unsafe or unsecured as to endanger life, limb or property;
(5) Any premises which is littered with rubbish or garbage;
(6) Any structure or building that is in a state of dilapidation, deterioration or decay; open, vacant, or abandoned; damaged by fire to the extent as not to provide shelter, in danger of collapse or failure, and is dangerous to anyone on or near the premises.
(p) “Rubbish” means both combustible and non-combustible waste materials, including but not limited to, car parts, motors, and abandoned appliances. The term shall also include rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery, excessive yard waste, chronic dust conditions, and other similar materials, as well as the residue from the burning of wood, coal, and other combustible materials.
(q) “Strict liability offense” means an offense in which the prosecution in a legal proceeding is not required to prove criminal intent as a part of its case. It is enough to prove that the defendant either did an act which was prohibited, or failed to do an act which the defendant was legally required to do.
(r) “Structure” means that which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
(s) “Workmanlike” means executed in a skilled manner; e.g., generally plumb, level, square, in line, undamaged and without marring adjacent work.
(t) “Yard” means an open space on the same lot with a structure.
(Ord. 24-2006. Passed 3-23-06.)