As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACCESSIBLE PROPERTY
A property that is accessible through a compromised/breached
gate, fence, wall, etc.
ACCESSIBLE STRUCTURE
A structure or building that is unsecured and/or breached
in such a way as to allow access to the property or interior space
by unauthorized persons.
AGREEMENT
Any agreement or written instrument which provides that title
to a property shall be transferred or conveyed from one owner to another
owner after the sale, trade, transfer, or exchange.
BENEFICIARY
A lender under a note secured by a mortgage or deed of trust.
BOARDED-UP BUILDING
Any building or structure, the exterior openings of which
are closed by extrinsic devices or some other manner designed or calculated
to be permanent, giving the building the appearance of nonoccupancy
or nonuse.
BOARDING STANDARD
Securing and boarding of buildings or building premises according to Chapter
94, Property Maintenance, of the Denton Town Code.
DAYS
Consecutive calendar days.
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY
Any condition that on its own, or combined with other conditions
present, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property
has not been legally occupied or in use for a period of one calendar
year or more. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, overgrown
and/or dead vegetation, accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers
and/or mail, past due utility notices and/or disconnected utilities,
accumulation of trash, junk, and/or debris, the absence of window
coverings such as curtains, blinds and/or shutters, the absence of
furnishings and/or personal items consistent with residential habitation,
boarded-up buildings, statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery
agents, and government employees that the property is not legally
occupied or in use.
OWNER
Person or persons, or legal entity; shall include the title
holder, any agent of the title holder, foreclosing entity, or any
entity having authority to act with respect to an abandoned property
as defined in this code.
PROPERTY
Any unimproved or improved real property or portion thereof,
and includes the buildings or structures located on the property regardless
of condition.
PROPERTY, NONRESIDENTIAL
Any real property, or portion thereof, designed or permitted to be used for purposes as defined by the use and occupancy classification in Chapter
38, Building Construction, of the Denton Town Code and shall include the buildings and structures located on such improved real property. This includes any real property being offered for sale, trade, transfer, or exchange as nonresidential or commercial whether or not it is legally permitted and/or zoned for such use.
PROPERTY, RESIDENTIAL
Any real property, or portion thereof, designed or permitted
to be used for dwelling purposes, and shall include the buildings
and structures located on such improved real property. This includes
any real property being offered for sale, trade, transfer, or exchange
as residential whether or not it is legally permitted and/or zoned
for such use.
RETURN TO SERVICE
Rehabilitated property that has obtained all required zoning
and building approvals and that has functional use and is legally
occupiable.
SECURING
Such measures that assist in rendering the property inaccessible
to unauthorized persons, including but not limited to the repairing
of fences and walls, chaining or locking of gates, the repair or boarding
of doors, windows, and/or other openings.
SUBSTANDARD BUILDING
Any building or structure, or portion thereof, or the premises
on which same is located, where there exists any substandard conditions
to the extent that endangers the life, health, property, safety or
welfare of the public or occupants thereof.
UNREASONABLE TIME
Any portion of time exceeding the period for full compliance with the provisions of this chapter established by the official responsible for enforcement in accordance with §
29-7.2.
VACANT
Building or premises, or portion thereof, unoccupied and unsecured and having one or more of the conditions in accordance with Article
IV.