(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BASEMENT. A portion of a dwelling which is located partly underground, having direct access to light and air from windows located above the level of the adjoining ground.
CELLAR. A portion of a dwelling which is located partly or wholly underground having an inadequate access to light and air from windows located partly or wholly below the level of the adjoining ground.
DETERIORATED. A dwelling is unfit for human habitation and can be repaired, altered or improved to comply with all of the minimum standards established by this chapter at a cost not in excess of 50% of its value, as determined by findings of the Inspector.
DILAPIDATED. A dwelling is unfit for human habitation and cannot be repaired, altered or improved to comply with all of the minimum standards established by this chapter except at a cost in excess of 50% of its value, as determined by finding of the Inspector.
DWELLING. Any building, structure, manufactured home or mobile home, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith, except that it does not include any manufactured home or mobile home which is used solely for a seasonal vacation purpose. “Temporary housing”, as hereinafter defined, shall not be regarded as a DWELLING. The term shall include, within its meaning, the terms “rooming house” and “rooming unit”, as hereinafter defined.
DWELLING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms located within a dwelling and forming a single habitable unit with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
EXTERMINATION. The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food, by poisoning, spraying, fumigating or trapping, or by any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved by the Inspector.
GARBAGE. The organic waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
HABITABLE ROOM. A room or enclosed floor space used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundries, heater rooms, foyers or communicating corridors, closets and storage spaces.
INFESTATION. The presence, within or around a dwelling, of any insects, rodents or other pests in the number as to constitute a menace to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or the public.
INSPECTOR. The Building Inspector of the city or any authorized agent of the INSPECTOR.
MULTIPLE DWELLING. Any dwelling containing more than two dwelling units.
OCCUPANT. Any person over one year of age, living, sleeping, cooking or eating in or having actual possession of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit.
OPERATOR. Any person who has charge, care or control of a building, or part thereof, in which dwelling units or rooming units are let.
OWNER. The holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.
PARTY OR PARTIES IN INTEREST. All individuals, associations, and corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling, and any who are in possession thereof.
PLUMBING. All of the following supplied facilities and equipment: gas pipes, gas burning equipment, water pipes, mechanical garbage disposal units (mechanical sink grinders), sewage disposal pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes washing machines, catch basins, drains, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY. The city housing authority or officer who is in charge of the department or branch of the government of the city, county or state relating to health, fire, building regulations or other activities concerning dwellings in the city.
PUBLIC OFFICER. The officer or officers who are authorized by this chapter and adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by the chapter and Article 12 of G.S. Chapter 160D.
ROOMING HOUSE. Any dwelling, or that part of any dwelling containing one or more rooming units, in which space is let by the owner or operator to three or more persons who are not husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father or brother of the owner or operator.
ROOMING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms forming a single, habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes.
RUBBISH. Non-organic waste materials. The term shall include, but not be limited to, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass and dust.
SUPPLIED. Paid for, furnished or provided by, or under the control of, the owner or operator.
TEMPORARY HOUSING. Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter, which is designed to be transportable and which is not attached to the ground, to another structure or to any utilities system on the same premises for more than 30 consecutive days.
UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION. A dwelling which is UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION is a dwelling in which conditions exist in a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit which violate or do not comply with one or more of the minimum standards of fitness, or one or more of the requirements established by this chapter.
(B) Whenever the words “dwelling”, “dwelling unit”, “rooming house”, “rooming unit” or “premises” are used in this chapter, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words “or any part thereof”.
(2009 Code, § 153.02) (Ord. 2021-Z-19, passed 6-22-2021)