Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms defined in §
132-12 shall have the meanings indicated for the purposes of this code. Words used in the present tense include the future. Words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. When terms are not defined, through the methods authorized by this section, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context may imply.
BASEMENT
That portion of a structure which is partly or completely below grade.
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.
CODE OFFICIAL
The official or any duly authorized agent designated by the County
Commissioners who is charged with the administration and enforcement of this
code.
CONDEMN
To declare a structure or part of it, premises, or equipment, unsafe
or unfit for use or occupation.
EQUIPMENT, UNSAFE
A boiler, elevator, heating equipment, cooking equipment, moving
stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other
equipment on the premises or within the structure which is in such disrepair
or condition that it is found by the Code Official to be a hazard to life,
health, property or safety of the tenants of the premises or structure.
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;
C.
Poison spraying, fumigating, trapping or by any other pest elimination
methods which have received all necessary and legally required approvals.
FARM
A parcel of land not less than 20 acres in size used for agriculture,
as defined in the Caroline County Zoning Ordinance.
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, including but not
limited to houses, apartments and mobile homes.
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 person living or sleeping in a housing unit or having possession
of a space within a housing unit.
OPERATOR
A person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises
which is offered for occupancy.
PERSON
Includes an individual, partnership, limited partnership, trust,
estate, association or corporation.
PLUMBING
The practice, materials, fixtures, and facilities 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:
A.
Is either 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 either
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 person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises, including
the guardian of the estate of the person, or the executor or administrator
of the estate of the 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
That which is built, partially built or constructed, including buildings,
for any occupancy or use whatsoever.
STRUCTURE UNFIT FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY OR USE
A structure all or part of which is found by the Code Official to
be unsafe, contain unsafe equipment, or to not comply with the provisions
of this code, including but not limited to the requirements for general maintenance,
sanitation, pest control, structural components, light, ventilation, plumbing,
mechanical systems, electrical systems and fire safety.
STRUCTURE, UNSAFE
A structure which all or part of it is found by the Code Official
to be dangerous to life, health, property or the safety of its tenants by
not providing minimum protection from fire or because it is so damaged, decayed,
dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable
foundation that it is likely to partially or completely collapse.
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.
VENTILATION, NATURAL
Ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors,
louvers or stacks without power-driven devices.