In this chapter, unless otherwise clearly indicted by the context, the
following words and terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CODE OFFICIAL
The official designated by the County Commissioners of Caroline County
who is charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
CONDEMN
To adjudge unfit for use or occupancy.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for
one (1) or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking and sanitation.
OCCUPANT
Any person living and/or sleeping in a dwelling unit or having possession
of a space within a building.
OPERATOR
Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises
which is let or offered for occupancy.
OWNER
Any person, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest
in the property.
PERSON
Includes a corporation or copartnership, as well as an individual.
PREMISES
A lot or parcel of land, including the structure thereon.
RESIDENCE
A building in which sleeping accommodations and cooking facilities
are provided.
STRUCTURE
That which is built, partially built or constructed, including buildings,
for any occupancy or use whatsoever.
STRUCTURE UNFIT FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY
One that is unsafe or, because of the degree to which it lacks maintenance
or is in disrepair, is unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested or contains filth
and contaminants or, because of the chosen location, constitutes a hazard
to its occupants or to the public, as determined by the code official.
UNSAFE EQUIPMENT
Includes any boiler, heating equipment, electrical wiring or device,
flammable liquid containers or other equipment or machinery on the premises
or within the structure which is in such disrepair or condition that it is
found to be a hazard to life, health, property or safety of the public or
occupants of the premises or structure. "Unsafe equipment" may contribute
to the finding that the structure is unsafe or unfit for human occupancy or
use.
UNSAFE STRUCTURE
One in which all or any part thereof is found to be dangerous to
life, health, property or to the safety of the public or the occupants of
the premises or structure or, because it is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated,
structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation,
that is likely to partially or completely collapse.
The code official is authorized to enter any structure or premises at
any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspections and performing duties
under this chapter.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any structure upon whom notice
of violation has been served to sell, transfer, lease, mortgage or otherwise
dispose of the property until the violations have been corrected or until
the owner shall furnish the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee with
a copy of the notice of violation.
Anyone affected by a compliance order may, within twenty (20) days after
service of the order, apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order
restraining the code official from undertaking the action described in the
notice of violation.
Any appeal from any order of the code official shall be
made directly to a court of competent jurisdiction within twenty (20) days
after the issuance of such order by the code official. Written notice to the
County Commissioners shall be provided at the time of the filing of an appeal.
This chapter shall apply only to the unincorporated areas in Caroline
County, Maryland.
In accordance with Article 25, § 3(s)(2)(v), of the Annotated
Code of Maryland, all buildings on a farm and on any premises devoted solely
to agricultural pursuits are exempt from the provisions and the application
of this chapter.