§ 158-5. Definitions.

As used throughout this article, the term:

Abandoned property means any lot, tract, or parcel of improved real estate that is unoccupied. It shall include any dwelling, building, structure, or part thereof used and occupied for human habitation or commercial, industrial, or business uses, or intended to be so used, and includes any outhouse, improvement, and appurtenance belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith and also includes any building or structure of any design. For the purposes of this section unoccupied shall be evidenced by notice of termination of service by a local utility provider, as well as visual observation by city personnel to include on site visits, or written communication attempts. The term shall expressly include, for means of illustration and not limitation, swimming pools and wells. Also as used in this chapter, the term shall not mean or include any farm, any building or structure located on a farm, or any agricultural facility or other building or structure used for the production, growing, raising, harvesting, storage, or processing of crops, livestock, poultry, or other farm products.

Owner means the current owner of record as shown by the records of the tax commissioner and the deed records of the clerk of superior court for the current calendar year.

Vacant property means any lot, tract, or parcel of real estate that is unimproved. It shall not mean or include any farm, or any agricultural facility or use for the production, growing, raising, harvesting, storage, or processing of crops, livestock, poultry, or other farm products.

Weed shall mean all unrestricted vegetative growth, including Kudzu (Pueraria Montana var. lobta), Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and nuisance plants.

(Ord. No. 2011-51(11-O-0136), § 3, 11-16-11; Ord. No. 2017-63(17-O-1275), § 4, 11-6-17 )