For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED PROPERTY. Property that the owner has surrendered, voluntarily relinquished, disclaimed, or ceded all right, title, claim, and possession, with the intention of not reclaiming it.
BUILDING. Any roofed structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
COMPLIANCE OFFICIAL. City Administrator and the City Administrator’s designated agents authorized to administer and enforce this chapter.
PROPERTY OWNER. The owner of record according to St. Louis County property tax records; those identified as owner or owners on a vacant building registration form, a holder of an unrecorded contract for deed, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, a mortgagor or vendor in possession, an assignee of rents, a receiver, an executor, a trustee, a lessee, other person, firm or corporation in control of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein. An owner also means any person, partnership, association, corporation or fiduciary having a legal or equitable title or any interest in the property or building. This includes any partner, officer or director of any partnership, corporation, association or other legally constituted business entity. All owners shall have joint and several obligations for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY. An owner, entity or person acting as an agent for the owner who has direct or indirect control or authority over the building or real property upon which the building is located; any party having a legal or equitable interest in the property. Responsible party may include but is not limited to a realtor, service provider, mortgagor, leasing agent, management company or similar person or entity.
VACANT BUILDING. A building is vacant if no person or persons actually and currently conducts a lawful business or lawfully resides or lives in any part of the building on a permanent, non-transient basis in accordance with City of Virginia zoning regulations.
(Ord. passed 10-22-2019)