Except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions given in this section shall govern the construction of this chapter:
(a) "Hotel" means 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 five or more rooms are used for the accommodation of such guests, whether such rooms are in one or several structures.
(b) "Occupancy" means 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 for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes. The use or possession or right to use or possess any room or a 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.
(c) "Operator" means the person who is proprietor of the hotel, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee or any other capacity. Where the operator performs his functions through a managing agent of any type or character other than an employee, the managing agent shall also be deemed an operator for the purposes of this chapter and shall have the same duties and liabilities as his 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.
(d) "Person" means 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.
(e) "Rent" means 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 an amount for which the occupant is liable for the occupancy without any deduction therefrom whatsoever.
(f) "Tax Administrator" means the Tax Administrator of the City.
(g) "Transient guests" means persons occupying a room or rooms for sleeping accommodations regardless of the duration of their occupancy.
(Ord. 5039. Passed 5-5-03.)