§ 60. Definitions.

The following terms used or referred to in this Code shall have the respective meanings:

(a)

Agent shall mean an individual with a place of business in this state at which he or she is authorized to accept inquiries, notices, and service of process on behalf of a vacant or foreclosed real property owner.

(b)

Foreclosed real property shall mean improved or unimproved real property for which a land disturbance permit has been issued by the city and is held pursuant to a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure of a mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, deed to secure debt, or other security instrument securing a debt or obligation owed to a creditor or a deed in lieu of foreclosure in full or partial satisfaction of a debt or obligation owed to a creditor.

(c)

Owner shall mean any person or persons having any individual, joint or common title or interest in real property defined by the laws of the State of Georgia as a legal or equitable estate or interest.

(d)

Registration shall mean the filing of a registration statement with the office of code enforcement.

(e)

Registration statement shall mean the form(s) required to be filed with the office of code enforcement pursuant to this article.

(f)

Residential rental property shall mean a dwelling lawfully occupied as a residence pursuant to a lease instrument by one or more tenants. A dwelling which is vacant, as defined herein, as opposed to occupied, shall be subject to registration notwithstanding the owner's intent to lease such dwelling on a future date.

(g)

Registry shall mean the official record, electronic or otherwise, of registration of structures required by this article.

(h)

Street address shall mean the street or route address. Such term shall not mean or include a post office box.

(i)

Vacant real property shall mean real property that is either (1) intended for habitation, has not been lawfully inhabited for at least 60 days, and has no evidence of utility usage within the past 60 days; or (2) is partially constructed or incomplete, without a valid building permit. Such term shall not include a building or structure containing multiple units with common ownership that has at least one unit occupied with evidence of utility usage.

(Ord. No. 2012-29(12-O-0842), § 1, 6-27-12, eff. 7-1-12)