Unless otherwise expressly stated, in this chapter the following terms
have the meanings indicated.
A detached structure located on or partially on premises that are
not used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by an occupant.
The portion of a structure that is partly or completely below grade.
The County Building Code for the regulation of construction, alteration,
addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, or maintenance
of premises and structures.
The heating system permanently installed and adjusted to provide
the distribution of heat to all habitable areas from a source outside of these
areas.
The official or a duly authorized agent or designee of the County
who is authorized to enforce this chapter.
To declare a structure, part of a structure, premises, or equipment
unsafe or unfit for use or occupation.
The control and elimination of insects, rodents, or other pests by:
The animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation,
cooking, or consumption of food.
A room or enclosed floor space in a structure used or intended to be
used for living, sleeping, cooking, or eating.
"Habitable room" does not include bathrooms, laundries, furnace rooms,
pantries, utility rooms, foyers, stairways, closets, hallways, storage spaces,
workshops, accessory structures, and hobby and recreation areas in unsealed
or uninsulated parts of a structure below ground level or in attics.
A single unit of a structure providing or intended to provide complete
living and sleeping facilities for one or more persons.
The presence of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests within or
contiguous to a structure or premises.
The repair and other acts intended to prevent a decline in the condition
of a structure, premises, or equipment below the standards established by
this chapter and other applicable law.
An individual who possesses space within a housing unit.
A person who has charge, care, or control of a structure or premises
that is offered for occupancy.
The practice, materials, facilities, or fixtures used in the installation,
maintenance, extension, or alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances, and
appurtenances in the County.
A receptacle or device that:
Is permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system
of the premises and demands a supply of water from it;
Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage directly
or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or
Requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage
system of the premises.
A lot, plot, or parcel of land, including the structures on it.
Paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree
branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery,
dust, or other similar materials, as well as the residue from the burning
of wood, coal, coke, or other combustible materials.
Free from danger and hazards that may cause accidents or disease.
A residential structure used for human habitation.
An occupant other than a property owner.
The process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical
means to or from a space.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety,
and welfare in residential structures and premises by:
B.Â
Establishing minimum requirements for residential structures
and premises for means of egress, fire protection systems, and other equipment
and devices necessary for safety from fire;
C.Â
Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators,
and tenants of residential structures and premises; and
D.Â
Providing for administration, enforcement, and penalties.
A.Â
Residential structures. This chapter applies to residential
structures used for human habitation and their premises except:
B.Â
Repairs, alterations, or changes of use. Repairs or alterations
to a structure or changes in a structure's use, which may be caused directly
or indirectly by the enforcement of this chapter, shall be done in accordance
with the procedures and provisions of the County's Building Code, Plumbing
Code, Mechanical Code, and Electrical Code.
C.Â
Remedies. The provisions of this chapter do not abolish
or impair any remedies available to the County or its officers or agencies
relating to the removal or demolition of a structure that is deemed to be
dangerous, unsafe, and unsanitary.
D.Â
Industry standards. Repairs, maintenance, alterations,
or installations that are required for compliance with this chapter shall
be executed and installed in accordance with industry standards to secure
the results intended by this chapter.
