As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ABANDONED
Land or building in which all habitation, use and/or occupation
has ceased.
LAWN
Exterior portion of property which includes grass, ground
cover, weeds and/or other similar plant growth and vegetation. This
term shall not, for purposes of this chapter, include cultivated flowers
and gardens, nor any land in agricultural production.
PERSON IN CONTROL
The owner, the attorney for the owner, the tenant, the occupant,
the trustee in bankruptcy, lending institution which has commenced
foreclosure proceedings against the subject property, a referee of
foreclosure or a real estate broker or any other person exercising
implied or express control of the premises, to be determined on a
case-by-case basis.
PROPERTY OWNER
The person, individual, business, partnership, firm or corporation
whose name is listed as grantee on the last deed of record for the
property recorded with the Dutchess County Clerk.
UNOCCUPIED
Lack of habitual presence of human beings.
VACANT
Any structure, building or portion thereof which, except
for seasonal absence, is unoccupied or unused for a period of two
consecutive months or longer.
The owner or person in control, as the case may be, of any property
subject to this chapter shall maintain his/her lawn trimmed to a height
of no greater than 10 inches.
A violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be a violation
punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for not
to exceed 15 days, or both. Each week’s continued violation
shall constitute a separate additional violation.