Unless otherwise expressly stated, in this chapter the following terms
have the meanings indicated.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A detached structure located on or partially on premises that are
not used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by an occupant.
BASEMENT
The portion of a structure that is partly or completely below grade.
BUILDING CODE
The County Building Code for the regulation of construction, alteration,
addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, or maintenance
of premises and structures.
CENTRAL HEATING
The heating system permanently installed and adjusted to provide
the distribution of heat to all habitable areas from a source outside of these
areas.
CODE OFFICIAL
The official or a duly authorized agent or designee of the County
who is authorized to enforce this chapter.
CONDEMN
To declare a structure, part of a structure, premises, or equipment
unsafe or unfit for use or occupation.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents, or other pests by:
A.
Eliminating their harborage places;
B.
Removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food;
or
C.
Poison spraying, fumigation, trapping, or any other pest elimination
method that has received all necessary and legally required approvals.
GARBAGE
The animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation,
cooking, or consumption of food.
HABITABLE ROOM
A.
A room or enclosed floor space in a structure used or intended to be
used for living, sleeping, cooking, or eating.
B.
"Habitable room" does not include bathrooms, laundries, furnace rooms,
pantries, utility rooms, foyers, stairways, closets, hallways, storage spaces,
workshops, accessory structures, and hobby and recreation areas in unsealed
or uninsulated parts of a structure below ground level or in attics.
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 of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests within or
contiguous to a structure or premises.
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 chapter and other applicable law.
OCCUPANT
An individual who possesses space within a housing unit.
OPERATOR
A person who has charge, care, or control of a structure or premises
that is offered for occupancy.
PLUMBING
The practice, materials, facilities, or fixtures used in the installation,
maintenance, extension, or alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances, and
appurtenances in the County.
PLUMBING FIXTURE
A receptacle or device that:
A.
Is permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system
of the premises and demands a supply of water from it;
B.
Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage directly
or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or
C.
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 on it.
PROPERTY OWNER
A.
A person who has legal or equitable interest in the premises.
B.
Includes the guardian of the estate of the person or the executor or
administrator of the estate of the person if ordered by a court to take possession
of the premises.
RUBBISH
Paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree
branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery,
dust, or other similar materials, as well as the residue from the burning
of wood, coal, coke, or other combustible materials.
SAFE
Free from danger and hazards that may cause accidents or disease.
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 a space.
A.
"Mechanical ventilation" means ventilation by a power-driven device.
B.
"Natural ventilation" means ventilation by opening to outer air through
windows, skylights, doors, louvers, or stacks without power-driven devices.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety,
and welfare in residential structures and premises by:
A. Establishing minimum property maintenance standards for:
(1) Basic equipment and facilities that are used for light,
ventilation, heating, and sanitation for residential structures and premises;
and
(2) Safe and sanitary maintenance of residential structures
and premises;
B. Establishing minimum requirements for residential structures
and premises for means of egress, fire protection systems, and other equipment
and devices necessary for safety from fire;
C. Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators,
and tenants of residential structures and premises; and
D. Providing for administration, enforcement, and penalties.