Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms defined herein
shall be interpreted as follows:
A. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; and the singular
number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.
B. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.
C. Where terms are not defined, through the methods authorized by this section, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context may imply or the definitions as provided in Chapter
155 of the Dorchester County, Maryland, Code.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BASEMENT
A story where the floor is more than 12 inches but not more
than half of its story height below the average level of the adjoining
ground. A basement may be used as a separate dwelling and shall be
counted as a story for the purpose of height regulations. See also
cellar.
BOARD
The Board of Building Appeals of Dorchester County, Maryland.
BOARDING or LODGING HOUSE
A dwelling or part thereof where meals and/or lodgings are
provided, for compensation, for persons not transient.
BUILDING
Any structure which is designed, built or occupied as a shelter
for persons, animals or property. The term "building" shall include
tents, lunch wagons, roadside stands, mobile homes and recreational
trailers and vehicles and shall also include any part thereof.
BUILDING CODE
The Building Code adopted by the county or such other code
as may be designated by the county for the regulation of construction,
alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location,
occupancy or maintenance of premises and structures.
CELLAR
A story having more than one-half of its height below the
average level of the adjoining ground. A cellar shall not be used
as a separate dwelling and need not be counted as a story for the
purpose of height regulations. See also basement.
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 Minimum Livability Code regulations.
CONDEMN
To declare a structure or part thereof, premises or equipment
unsafe or unfit for use or occupation.
COUNTY
Dorchester County, Maryland.
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Planning and Zoning, Dorchester County,
Maryland.
DWELLING
A.
MULTIFAMILYA residential building designed for or occupied by three or more families.
B.
SINGLE-FAMILYA detached residential building designed for and occupied by only one family, including modular homes but excluding mobile homes.
C.
TWO-FAMILYA detached residential building, containing two dwelling units, designed for and occupied by not more than two families.
DWELLING SITE
A lot or parcel of land of such dimensions and zoning classification
as to permit the lawful construction and occupancy of a dwelling unit
thereon.
DWELLING UNIT
One room or rooms connected together constituting a separate,
independent housekeeping and living establishment for one family and
containing independent kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities.
A dwelling unit shall be located in a structure containing a minimum
gross floor area of 600 square feet. A mobile home shall be considered
a dwelling unit.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other
pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making
inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; by poison spraying,
fumigating or 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.
HOUSING UNIT
A single unit of a structure providing or intended to provide
complete living and sleeping facilities for one or more persons.
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 code and other applicable statutes, codes and
ordinances.
OCCUPANT
Any individual having possession of a space within a housing
unit.
OPERATOR
Any person who has charge, care, management or control of
a structure or premises which is offered for occupancy.
PERSON
Includes an individual, firm 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 is either permanently or temporarily
connected to the water distribution system of the premises and demands
a supply of water therefrom; or discharges used water, liquid-borne
waste materials or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage
system of the premises; or which requires both a water supply connection
and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises.
PREMISES
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the structures and
buildings thereon.
PROPERTY OWNER
Any person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises,
including the guardian of the estate of any such person, or the executor
or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession
of the premises by a court.
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.
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 any space.
B.
NATURALVentilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks without power-driven devices.