For the purpose of this article the following terms shall be defined as follows:
A structure, whether portable or fixed, with exterior walls or firewalls and a roof, built, erected or framed of a combination of any materials, to form shelter for persons, animals, or property. See "structure" below.
A condition of decay or partial ruin by reason of neglect, misuse or deterioration. The term includes, but is not limited to:
Property having deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roofs, foundations or floors, including broken or inadequately secured windows or doors, provided that a superficial condition such as peeling paint shall not, in and of itself, be deemed to constitute a dilapidated condition.
Property having defective weather protection for exterior wall covering or deleterious weathering due to lack of such weather protection or other protective covering such that the property is not structurally sound.
Personal property that is broken, rusted, worn, partially or wholly dismantled or otherwise, due to deterioration, is unsuitable for the purpose for which designed.
The provisions of this article shall be enforced by the Inspector of Buildings or his/her designee and any other City employee designated as an enforcing agent for any section of this article in Section 1-13(b) of the General Ordinances the City of Waltham entitled "Noncriminal disposition."
A condition likely to expose persons to injury, or property to damage, loss or destruction.
In connection with the notification requirements of this article, interested parties are the Building Commissioner and his assigns; owner(s) and/or occupants of a property which is the subject of a hearing; owners and/or occupants of property directly opposite the subject property on any public or private street or way; owners and/or occupants of property abutting the subject property; and owners and/or occupants of property abutting and that is within 300 feet of the property line of the subject property. Other persons who own or occupy property and who demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Building Commissioner and his assigns that they are affected by the condition of the property or building that is the subject of a hearing may be regarded as interested parties by the Building Commissioner and his assigns.
Includes, but is not limited to:
The existence of any structure or part of structure which because of fire, wind, or other natural disaster or physical deterioration is no longer salvageable or habitable as a dwelling nor useful for any other purpose for which it may have been intended.
Dilapidated real or personal property, which includes the existence of any vacant dwelling, garage, or other outbuilding not kept securely locked, windows kept glazed, or neatly boarded up and otherwise protected to prevent entrance thereto by vandals.
Overgrown vegetation which may harbor rats and vermin, conceal pools of stagnant water or other nuisances, provided that the failure to mow a lawn area shall not, in and of itself, be deemed to constitute a nuisance.
Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, debris or trash.
Personal property that is continuously exposed to the elements without protection against deterioration, rust or dilapidation.
Unregistered motor vehicles, machinery or mechanical equipment or parts thereof that may result in the destruction of vegetation or the contamination of soil.
The storage upon any property of building materials unless there is in force a valid building permit issued by the Inspector of Buildings for construction upon said property and said materials are intended for use in connection with such construction. In no event, however, shall the storage of building materials occur on the property in excess of 12 months without written consent from the Inspector of Buildings. Building materials shall include but shall not be limited to lumber, bricks, concrete or cinder blocks, plumbing materials, electrical wiring or equipment, heating ducts or equipment, shingles, mortar, concrete, nails, screws, steel, or any other materials commonly used in constructing any structure.
Gravel, rock, and dirt piles stored by the owner for purposes of construction and/or landscaping and said item remains stored for more than 12 months on the owner's premises, provided that a properly maintained compost pile shall not be deemed a nuisance.
Any property where there exists any condition constituting a "nuisance," as defined below, that seriously impairs the value, condition, strength, durability or appearance of real property, including real property owned or occupied by an "interested party," as defined herein.
A person who occupies real property with the consent of the owner as a lessee, tenant at will, licensee or otherwise. The singular use of the term includes the plural when the context so indicates.
Every person who alone or jointly or severally with others:
Has legal title to any building, structure or property;
Has care, charge, or control of any such building, structure or property in any capacity, including but not limited to agent, executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the holder of legal title;
Has a mortgage in possession; or
Is an agent, trustee or other person appointed by the courts.
The owner or occupant (in the case of real property) of property that is the subject of proceedings under this article. The singular use of the term includes the plural when the context so indicates.
A combination of materials, whether wholly or partially level with, above or below the surface of the ground, whether permanent or temporary, assembled at a fixed location to give support, shelter or enclosure such as a building, framework, retaining wall, stand, platform, bin, fence (having a height at any point of six feet or greater above grade), parking area sign, flagpole, or mast for an antenna or the like.