(a) “Code compliance certificate” is defined as an annual certificate issued by the City or its designee that the structure is in compliance with all City Code requirements and the State Construction Code.
(b) “Evidence of vacancy” is defined to include any condition that on its own, or combined with other conditions present, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is vacant. Such conditions include, but are not limited to: overgrown and/or dead vegetation; un-shoveled snow from sidewalks; accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers and/or mail; past due utility notices and/or disconnected utilities; accumulation of trash, junk and/or debris; boarded up windows; abandoned vehicles, auto parts or materials; the absence of or continually drawn window coverings such as curtains, blinds and/or shutters; the absence of furnishings and/or personal items consistent with habitation or occupancy; statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents or utility agents, including City employees, that the property is vacant.
(c) “Lender” is defined to mean a person, firm or corporation holding a mortgage on a property.
(d) “Owner” is defined as one who has legal title and/or the right to possess, use, transfer or to convey property, i.e., the owner or successor to title by foreclosure, sheriff’s sale or by court order.
(e) “Possessory lender” is defined to mean a person, firm or corporation that has foreclosed a mortgage on a property but may not have legal or equitable title.
(f) “Vacant property” is defined as a property, building, or structure that remains unoccupied for a period in excess of 30 days, and/or exhibits “evidence of vacancy” as defined herein. “Vacant property” does not mean property that is temporarily unoccupied for a period of less than one hundred eighty days while the residents are away on vacation, tending to personal matters or business and does not harbor “evidence of vacancy.” “Vacant property” does not include structures that are used for storage purposes and located in an area where storage is legally allowed as a principal use of the zoning district, where the use is in compliance with all appropriate provisions of city ordinances, building and fire codes pertaining to the storage use.
(Ord. 2013-02. Passed 2-5-13; Ord. 2019-04. Passed 4-2-19.)