[Ord. No. 1042 §1, 6-10-2004]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the following meanings ascribed to them, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ENCLOSED STRUCTURE
An enclosed structure built according to City Code (i.e., garage or shed) in which the contents are not visible to neighbors, passers-by, those on public sidewalks, streets or alleyways or from any adjacent public or private property.
GARBAGE
Putrescible animal or vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, serving or consumption of food. See also "SOLID WASTE".
HABITABILITY
Capable of being lived-in; suitable for habitation.
JUNK
Old, dilapidated, abandoned or scrap rubber, appliances, beds, debris, dismantled or wrecked vehicles, furniture, glass, metal, paper, plastic, waste or parts thereof.
OCCUPANT
Any person who has a legal or equitable interest in a parcel of real property, other than a fee interest, including a life tenant, lessee, tenant at will, tenant at sufferance or adverse possessor, as well as a person in possession or a person who has charge, care or control of the parcel of real property as the agent or personal representative of the person holding legal title of a fee interest. Possession, charge, care or control may include living, sleeping, cooking or eating in the parcel of real property.
OWNER
Any person who, along or jointly or severally with others:
1. 
Has legal title to any parcel of real property, building or structure or part thereof, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; or
2. 
Has charge, care or control of any parcel of real property, building or structure or part thereof, as agent or personal representative of the person having legal title to the building or structure or part thereof; or
3. 
Has possession or right to possession under a contract for deed; or
4. 
Has legal title to a vehicle.
PERSON
Any agent, private corporation, firm, partnership, association, administrator and any executor, receiver, representative or trustee appointed according to law.
PROHIBITED VEHICLE
Any vehicle described as an abandoned vehicle, elevated vehicle, junk vehicle or unlicensed vehicle.
RANK GROWTH OF VEGETATION
Thickets or any vegetation which may emit noxious odors or any vegetation which is seven (7) inches or more in height. Rank growth of vegetation shall not include trees in excess of six (6) feet in height, cultivated or attended trees less than six (6) feet in height or cultivated or attended plants, bushes or shrubbery.
REASONABLE RESIDENTIAL STORAGE
The open, outdoor storage of usable building materials in small amounts will not be considered a nuisance if the open storage is temporary (temporary being not beyond thirty (30) days after the building/construction permit expires) and the building materials are to be used for the benefit of the property on which they are located.
SOLID WASTE
Solid and semi-solid waste materials resulting from industrial, commercial, agricultural, governmental and domestic activities including, but not limited to, animal wastes, appliances, ashes, construction and demolition wastes, garbage, major appliances, refuse, rubbish, street refuse, trash and yard wastes, but not hazardous waste or waste material resulting from mining, milling or smelting.
TARPAULIN
A piece of opaque material (durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects or areas, which must be in good repair (no holes or rips), of adequate size (in relationship to what is tarped) and secured.
TRAFFIC HAZARD
Any vegetation, plant, bush, shrubbery, tree or any part thereof growing upon any private or public property so as to obstruct reasonable and safe view of oncoming and intersecting traffic by motor vehicle drivers on any street, alley or public drive.
UNSAFE
A state or condition of danger, harm or risk; unsecured from threat of danger, harm or loss.
UNSANITARY
A state or condition that endangers personal or public health.
WASTE TIRE
A tire that is no longer suitable for its original intended purpose because of wear, damage or defect.
WEEDS
Grasses and unattended growths of other plants, bushes and shrubbery which are seven (7) inches or more in height.
WOODLAND
A large, dense growth of trees, plants and underbrush.
YARD WASTE
Leaves, grass clippings, yard and garden vegetation, tree trimmings and Christmas trees.
[Ord. No. 1042 §2, 6-10-2004]
Unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary and otherwise improperly maintained properties, structures, sidewalks and easements within the City materially and adversely affect the use and habitability of nearby property and of property within the City as a whole. Additionally, such conditions pose hazards to the public health, safety and welfare. Properties that are unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary and/or dangerous may materially and adversely affect the economic well-being of the City. This Chapter, in accordance with the procedures set out herein, establishes necessary and proper procedures to prosecute owners and occupants for nuisances, to provide for the abatement of such nuisances and other improperly maintained structures and properties as they are described or found to exist, to charge the costs of the abatement to the owners and/or occupants of the property upon which the nuisance and/or improper maintenance exists, as well as the property itself and to provide for procedures for permanent prevention of nuisances. This Chapter is an exercise of the City's Police power and shall be liberally construed.
[Ord. No. 1042 §3, 6-10-2004]
A. 
Any person, including any owner, occupant or other entity, who violates any provision of this Chapter shall be subject to the following:
1. 
Prosecution. Upon conviction of violation of any provision or requirement of this Chapter, the person shall be subject to punishment by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or be imprisoned in jail for not more than three (3) months, or both such fine and imprisonment. It shall be a separate offense for each day the nuisance is allowed or continues to exist.
2. 
Abatement. Upon determination that a nuisance exists, the City may abate the nuisance and assess the costs thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
3. 
Injunction. In order to eliminate, remove or prevent a nuisance or other violation of this Chapter, the City Attorney may obtain such civil redress as may be appropriate under the circumstances, including restraining orders and injunctions.