For the purpose of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Where terms are not defined under the provisions of this subchapter, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings or meanings as the context may imply. Where questions arise as to the meaning of terms not defined, the Property Maintenance Officer shall determine the implied meaning. For further amplification and clarity of interpretation, the following rules of word use shall apply: words used in the present tense shall include the future; words used in the singular number shall include the plural number; and the plural the singular.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. A structure, whether temporary or permanent, the use of which is incidental and secondary to that of a principal building and which is located on the same premises.
BUILDING or STRUCTURE. Includes the word PREMISES.
DETERIORATION. Refers to a diminution of quality, character or value of a structure because of lack of maintenance. The DETERIORATION, if left unchecked, can lead to dilapidation. DETERIORATION is frequently the result of inadequate paint protection, faulty roofing, faulty gutters and downspouts, deteriorating screening, loose doors and windows, access by or infestation by vermin, blockage of drains, inadequate structural support systems and the like.
DILAPIDATION. Refers to structures evidencing a state of ruin, decay or disrepair. The severity of DILAPIDATION shall be judged by examination of major structural components like foundations, bearing walls, floor joints, rafters and roofs, and by examination of minor structural components like windows, doors, siding, roofing and guttering. The sources of DILAPIDATION will not necessarily be included within the preceding lists of structural components. The term implies a hazard to life or property.
LOT. Includes the words ZONING LOT, PIECE, PARCEL and PLOT.
MAY. Is permissive.
OWNER. The owner of record of the premises of fee or lesser estate therein, a mortgagee, vendee in possession, land contract purchaser, assignee of the rents, receiver, executor, administrator, trustee or lessee, as determined by an examination of the public records of the county, or any other person, firm or corporation in control of a building or their duly authorized agents.
PREMISES. A lot, plot or parcel of land, including all buildings or structures thereon, and including the area known as the parkway or tree lawn, situated between the sidewalk and the street on the front, side, or rear lot line adjoining the street and extending along the front, back or sides of such a lot, plot or parcel of land.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE OFFICER. Refers to the Village Administrator or his or her designee for Property Maintenance Code enforcement activity. The term may also refer to representatives of the Preble County Department of Health when personnel are acting on behalf of the village.
REFUSE AND WASTE. Unused or discarded matter and material having no substantial market value, and which includes, among other items: rubbish, refuse, debris and similar matter including, but not limited to, rubble, asphalt, concrete, plaster, tile, rocks, bricks, soil, building materials, crates, cartons, containers, boxes, machinery, or parts, scrap metal and inoperative motor vehicles and parts, trimmings from plants and trees, cans, bottles and barrels.
SHALL. Is mandatory and not discretionary.
STRUCTURE. An assembly of materials forming a construction or occupancy or use including among others: buildings, stadiums, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, observation towers, radio towers, water tanks, swimming pools and their enclosures, domes such as plastic, geodesic, air-supported and the like, open sheds, coal bins, shelters, fences and display signs.
(Prior Code, § 1416.02) (Ord. 699, passed 9-2-2003)