When used in this chapter and unless otherwise distinctly expressed, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set out herein:
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE. The Finance Director of the city.
HOTEL or MOTEL. Every establishment kept, used, maintained, advertised or held out to the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are offered for a consideration to guests, in which 5 or more rooms are used for the accommodation of such guests, whether such rooms are in 1 or several structures.
OCCUPANCY. The use or possession, or the right to the use or possession of any room or rooms or space or portion thereof, in any hotel or motel for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes. The use or possession or right to use or possess any room or any suite of connecting rooms as office space, banquet or private dining rooms, or exhibit, sample or display space shall not be considered occupancy within the meaning of this definition unless the person exercising occupancy uses or possesses, or has the right to use or possess all or any portion of such room or suite of rooms for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes.
OPERATOR. The person who is the proprietor of the hotel or motel, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, licensee, mortgagee in possession, or any other capacity. Where the operator performs his or her functions through a managing agent of any type or character, other than an employee, the managing agent shall be deemed an operator for the purposes of this chapter, and shall have the same duties and liabilities as his or her principal. Compliance with the provisions of this chapter by either the principal or the managing agent shall, however, be considered to be compliance by both.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, social club, fraternal organization, joint stock company, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, trustee, syndicate, or any other group or combination acting as a unit.
RENT. The consideration received for occupancy valued in money, whether received in money or otherwise, including all receipts, cash, credits, and property or services of any kind or nature, and also any amount for which the occupant is liable for the occupancy without any deduction therefrom whatsoever.
TRANSIENT GUESTS. Persons occupying a room or rooms for sleeping accommodations for less than 30 consecutive days.
(1974 Code, § 102.02) (Ord. 1-91, passed 2-4-1991)