For the purpose of this subchapter, certain words and phrases used in this subchapter are defined as follows:
DAYS. Consecutive calendar days.
DISREPAIR. Falling into poor condition due to damage, neglect, decay, or similar condition with conditions including, but are not limited to, overgrown or dead vegetation, extensively chipped or peeling exterior paint, exterior walls in poor condition, porches and steps in poor condition, roof in poor condition, broken windows and other signs of general disrepair, accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail, past due utility notices or disconnected utilities, accumulation of trash, junk or debris, the absence of window coverings such as curtains, damaged blinds, or shutters.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY. Any aesthetic 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 disrepair or the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with commercial habitation, statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, government employees that the property is vacant.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Any public body having authority over the property and residents of the town, including but not limited to the Town of Zebulon, Wake County, Zebulon Police Department, Zebulon Fire Department, Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. Any public official representing a public body which has authority over the property and residents of the town, including but not limited to the Code Enforcement Officer, Planning Director, Building Inspector, Police Chief, Fire Inspector, and Town Manager.
NONRESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. Any real property used or intended to be used for anything other than residential property as defined herein.
OWNER. Any person, partnership, association, corporation, or fiduciary having a legal or equitable title or any interest in any real property. No trustee in any deed of trust shall be considered an owner.
OWNER OF RECORD. The person or entity listed on recorded deed, probated will or heir by intestacy.
PROPERTY. Any unimproved or improved real property or portion thereof, situated in the town and includes the buildings or structures located on the property regardless of condition.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. A building or portion thereof, designed exclusively for residential occupancy, including one-family, two-family, multiple dwellings, mobile homes, house trailers, boarding and lodging houses, apartment house, and apartment hotels.
TOWN. The Town of Zebulon corporate limits and its extra territorial jurisdiction.
UTILITIES. Water, sewer, telephone, natural and propane gas, and electricity services.
VACANT. A property that has not been legally occupied for 180 days. “Legally occupied” means occupancy by the owner or any business or individual whose presence therein is with the consent of the owner with utilities furnished to the property.
(Ord. 2021-60, passed 4-12-2021)