The purpose of this chapter is to require that
dwellings be kept clean and free from dirt, filth, rubbish, garbage
and similar matter and from vermin and rodent infestation; to provide
for the control of weeds and litter on vacant lots or other properties
and streets and sidewalks within the City; to regulate refuse storage
and to make other necessary regulations regarding health and sanitation;
and to authorize the City to issue orders compelling compliance with
the provisions of this chapter and to correct those conditions at
the expense of the property occupants and/or owners of properties
upon which violations occur.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE
Any vehicle that meets any of the following conditions:
A.
Is in such a rusted, wrecked, dismantled or
deteriorated condition as not to be lawfully operable on public roads.
B.
Is in such a deteriorated or decayed condition,
whether or not it is operable, so as to constitute a breeding ground
for rats, mosquitoes or other vermin or insects.
ABANDONED MOVEABLE PROPERTY
Any major appliance, such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges,
etc., or any parts of the same or of other machinery or any scrap
metal or other items which are not being used in any construction
and are left unattended for a period in excess of 10 days on any public
way, neutral ground, or lot so as to constitute a breeding ground
for rats, mosquitoes or other vermin or insects.
BULK WASTE
Large items of refuse, including but not limited to appliances,
furniture, trees, branches and stumps, large auto parts, and construction
and remodeling waste which cannot be handled by normal municipal waste
processing, collection or disposal methods.
CITY
The City of Taneytown, Maryland, its officers, officials,
agents, and employees.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The official of the City appointed to ensure compliance with
the provisions of the Code of the City of Taneytown.
CRITICAL HAZARD
Any violation of this chapter that, if not immediately abated,
may adversely affect the public health, welfare or safety.
DAY
For purposes of notification as provided in this chapter,
“day” or “days” will mean calendar days.
GARBAGE
Putrescible animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the
handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food, including
kitchen and table wastes, fat, offal, dead fish, bones, shells of
seafood, grain, fruit and other such matter.
HANDBILL
Printed material intended for distribution to promote an
event, product, campaign or service.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Any waste substance or material designated as a hazardous
substance pursuant to § 7-201 et seq. of the Environmental
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
HIGHWAY
Shall have the meaning stated in § 8-101 of the
Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
IMMEDIATE ABATEMENT
Action taken to correct a public health, welfare, or safety
hazard determined by the City to be a critical hazard.
LITTER
Garbage, refuse and rubbish and all other waste material
which, if thrown or deposited as herein prohibited, tends to create
a danger to public health, safety and welfare.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Garbage, refuse, rubbish, trash and other discarded materials,
resulting from residential activities, which can be handled by normal
municipal waste processing, collection or disposal methods. Municipal
solid waste does not include bulk waste or hazardous waste.
NEWSPAPER
A publication intended for general circulation by sale or
subscription and published regularly at short intervals containing
information and news of general interest.
NOTICE
Documentation of a violation advising a property owner or
occupant of such, which may include information regarding corrective
action necessary and penalties should the violation not be corrected.
The date upon which the City issues such correspondence to a property
owner advising him or her of a violation shall be deemed the date
of notice. Such notice shall be sent by certified mail and regular
mail to the property owner's address as determined by reasonable means
by the City.
OVERGROWN
Growth of weeds or other plants wherein any plant not grown
for cultivation or ornamental purposes is eight inches tall or higher.
[Amended 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 5-2010]
PARK
A park, reservation, playground, beach, recreation center
or any other public area in the City owned or used by the City and
devoted to active or passive recreation.
PRIVATE PREMISES
Any dwelling, house, building or other structure designed
or used, either wholly or in part, for private residential purposes,
whether inhabited or temporarily or continuously uninhabited or vacant,
and shall include any yard, grounds, walk, driveway, porch, steps,
vestibule or mailbox belonging or appurtenant to such dwelling, house,
building or other structure.
PUBLIC PLACE
Any and all streets, sidewalks, boulevards, alleys or other
public ways and any and all public parks, squares, spaces, grounds
and buildings.
RECYCLING
Materials including but not limited to glass, rigid plastic,
metal cans, paper and cardboard that may be segregated from residential
garbage for collection and reuse.
REFUSE
All putrescible and nonputrescible solid waste (except body
waste), including rubble, debris, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals,
garbage and other waste or rejected matter, including cut grass, fallen
leaves, twigs and other articles severed from realty and other household,
commercial and industrial wastes.
RUBBISH
Nonputrescible solid wastes consisting of both combustible
and noncombustible wastes, such as paper, wrappings, cigarettes, cardboard,
tin cans, yard clippings, leaves, wood, glass, bedding, crockery,
discarded household goods and similar materials.
TRASH
Solid or nonliquid refuse other than garbage.