Definitions. The following terms as used in this Article,
unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, are defined as
follows:
ABATEMENT
The removal, stoppage, prostration, or destruction of that
which causes or constitutes a violation or nuisance, whether by breaking
or pulling it down or otherwise destroying, effacing it, or having
it hauled away. If abatement is most effective by changing the type
of plants in a given location, such as on steep slopes or on highly
erodible soil, abatement can be achieved in steps, approved by the
enforcement officer as to method and time, to achieve acceptable ground
cover that would comply with this Article.
DEBRIS
Includes weed or grass cuttings, cut, fallen, or hazardous
trees, limbs, and shrubs, rubbish and trash, lumber not piled or stacked
twelve (12) inches off the ground, rocks or bricks, tin, steel, parts
of derelict cars or trucks or other vehicles or machinery, or broken
furniture, or any other material which is found on any lot or land
that is unhealthy or unsafe which may endanger public health or safety.
NOXIOUS PLANTS
Illegal vegetation as defined by Missouri Law or any agency
of the State of Missouri, poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
at any height or state of maturity.
OWNER
As used in this Article, shall include the real and actual
owner of the fee title, the life tenant, occupant, tenant, lessee,
tenant at will, tenant at sufferance, person in lawful possession,
adverse possessor, and any other person, firm, partnership, corporation
or association asserting control over or having any right, title or
interest in any lot, tract or parcel of land in the City. The land
records filed in the office of the recorder of deeds of the County
within which any such lot, tract or parcel of land shall be located
and any other official record of such County or of the City may be
used to determine the identity of such owners, as hereinabove defined,
as of any given date.
THICKETS or BRUSH
Dense growth of wild shrubbery having stems or trunks greater
than one-half (1/2) inch in diameter, and briar patches regardless
of diameter.
WEEDS
All vegetation eight (8) inches or more in height, including
grasses; all vegetation eight (8) inches or more in height which may
emit unpleasant or noxious odors, or transmit pollen into the air
at any state of maturity; all vegetation, regardless of height, including
thickets, which may conceal or invite filthy deposits, harbor rodents,
refuse or vermin, create a fire hazard, or present a blighting effect
on the neighborhood.