Terms defined.
APPROVED
As applied to a material, device or method of construction,
approved by the Code Official under the provisions of this Part 1
or approved by other authority designated by law to give approval
in the matter in question.
BASEMENT
That portion of a structure which is partly or completely
below grade.
BUILDING CODE
The building code adopted by the County Commissioners or
such other code as may be designated by the County Commissioners for
the regulation of construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal,
demolition, use, location, occupancy or maintenance of premises and
structures.
CENTRAL HEATING
The heating system permanently installed and adjusted so
as to provide the distribution of heat to all habitable areas from
a source outside of these areas.
CODE
The Kent County Housing Code.
CODE OFFICIAL
The official or any duly authorized agent or designee of
the County Commissioners who is authorized to enforce this Part 1.
CONDEMN
To declare a structure, or part of it, premises or equipment
unsafe or unfit for use or occupancy.
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Housing and Community Development.
DWELLING
(1)
BOARDINGHOUSEA building arranged or used for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation and not occupied as a single-family unit, including an unlicensed shelter care home.
(2)
MULTIFAMILY APARTMENT HOUSEA building or portion thereof containing more than two (2) dwelling units and not classified as a one- or two-family dwelling.
(3)
ONE-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing one (1) dwelling unit with not more than five (5) lodgers or boarders.
(4)
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing two (2) dwelling units with not more than five (5) lodgers or boarders per family.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities
for one (1) or more persons, including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS
The open space on the premises and on adjoining property
under the control of owners or operators of such premises.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other
pests by:
(1)
Eliminating their harborage places.
(2)
Removing or making inaccessible materials that
may serve as their food.
(3)
Poison spraying, fumigating, trapping or by
any other pest elimination methods which have received all necessary
and legally required approvals.
GARBAGE
The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
HABITABLE AREA
The space in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating
or cooking, including bathrooms and toilet compartments. Closets,
halls, storage or utility space and similar areas are not considered
"habitable areas."
INFESTATION
The presence within or contiguous to a structure or premises
of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests.
MAINTENANCE
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 Part 1 and other applicable statutes, codes and
ordinances.
OCCUPANT
An individual living and/or sleeping in a dwelling unit having
possession of a space within a dwelling unit.
OPERATOR
A person who has charge, care or control of a structure or
premises which is offered for occupancy.
PERSON
Includes an individual, partnership, limited partnership,
trust, estate, association or corporation.
PLUMBING
The practice, materials, facilities and fixtures used in
the installation, maintenance, extension or alteration of all piping,
fixtures, appliances and appurtenances within the scope of the applicable
plumbing code.
PLUMBING FIXTURE
A receptacle or device which:
(1)
Is either permanently or temporarily connected
to the water distribution system of the premises and demands a supply
of water from it.
(2)
Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials
or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of
the premises.
(3)
Requires both a water supply connection and
a discharge to the drainage systems of the premises.
PREMISES
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the structures on
it.
PROPERTY OWNER
A person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises,
including the guardian of the estate of the person or the executor
or administrator of the estate of the person, if ordered to take possession
of the premises by a court.
REASONABLE NOTICE
At least fifteen (15) days, not including Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays.
RENOVATION
A building and its facilities made to conform to present
day minimum standards of sanitation, fire and life safety.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
A building in which sleeping accommodations or sleeping accommodations
and cooking facilities as a unit are provided, except when classified
as an institution under the building code.
ROOMING HOUSE
Any residential building, or any part thereof, containing
one (1) or more rooming units in which space is let by the owner or
operator to more than five (5) persons who are not members of the
family.
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
Paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather,
tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass,
crockery, dust and other similar materials as well as the residue
from the burning of wood, coal, coke and other combustible materials.
SECRETARY
The Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community
Development.
STRUCTURE
A residential structure used for human habitation.
TENANT
An occupant other than a property owner.
VENTILATION
The process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical
means to or from a space.
VENTILATION, NATURAL
Ventilation by opening to the outside through windows, skylights,
doors, louvers or stacks without power-driven devices.
YARD
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a building
extending along the entire length of the street or rear or interior
lot line.