(A) Generally. 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 building which is located partly underground, having direct access to light and air from windows located above the level of the adjoining ground.
CONGREGATE HOUSING. Any dwelling containing more than two dwelling units.
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 finding 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 at a cost not 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 appurtenances and out-houses belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith, except that it does not include any manufactured home or mobile home temporarily located on the real estate and which is used or intended to be used solely for a seasonal vacation purpose; provided, that it does not include temporary housing as defined herein.
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, subject to division (B) below.
EXTERMINATION. The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping or by any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved by the Inspector.
GARBAGE. The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
GOVERNING BODY. The Board of Commissioners of Wingate, North Carolina.
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 such number as to constitute a menace to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public.
INSPECTOR. The Town Building Inspector appointed as such to administer this chapter and shall include any agent of the Inspector who is authorized by the Inspector.
MANUFACTURED HOME or MOBILE HOME. A structure as defined in G.S. § 143-145(7) now and as from time to time amended.
OCCUPANT. Any person over one year of age, living, sleeping, cooking or eating in, or having actual possession of a 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 title in fee simple or any lesser interest in title, who alone, or jointly, or severally with others:
(a) Shall have title to any dwelling or dwelling unit, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; or
(b) Shall have charge care or control of any dwelling or dwelling unit, as owner or agent of the owner, or as executor, executrix, administrator, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person thus representing the actual OWNER shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter, and of rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, to the same extent as if he or she were the OWNER.
PARTIES IN INTEREST. All individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling and who are in possession thereof.
PLUMBING. Includes all of the following supplied facilities and equipment: gas pipes, gas burning equipment, water pipes, mechanical garbage disposal units (mechanical sink grinder), waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes washing machines, catch basin, drains, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY. Any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the town or the state relating to health, fire, building regulations or other activities concerning dwellings in the town.
RUBBISH. Combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage and ashes, and the term shall include paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass crockery and dust.
SUBSTANDARD DWELLING or SUBSTANDARD STRUCTURE. A dwelling, dwelling unit, multiple dwelling, apartment house or any other space used or intended to be used as a habitable living apace in any building or structure which does not meet the basic minimum requirements of this chapter for such use.
SUPPLIED. Paid for, furnished or provided by, or under 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.
TOWN. The Town of Wingate, Union County, North Carolina.
UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION. Conditions exist in a dwelling 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) Meaning of certain words. Whenever the words “dwelling”, “dwelling unit”, “premises”, “rooming house” or “rooming unit” are used in this chapter, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words “or any part thereof.”
(Prior Code, § 150.02) (Ord. passed 10-1-1984)