§ 35-5-101. DEFINITIONS.

(a)

In general. In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

Basement. "Basement" means that portion of a structure which is partly or completely below grade.

(c)

Building Code. "Building Code" means the Baltimore County Building Code.

(d)

Central heating. "Central heating" means a heating system that:

(1)

Is permanently installed;

(2)

Can be adjusted to provide the distribution of heat to all habitable areas; and

(3)

Derives from a source outside of the habitable areas.

(e)

Code. "Code" means the Livability Code.

(f)

Condemn. "Condemn" means to declare all or a part of a structure, a premises, or equipment unsafe or unfit for use or occupancy.

(g)

Extermination. "Extermination" means the control and elimination of insects, rodents, or other pests by:

(1)

Eliminating their harborage places;

(2)

Removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; or

(3)

Poison spraying, fumigating, trapping, or any other approved pest elimination method.

(h)

Garbage. "Garbage" means the animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.

(i)

Habitable area.

(1)

(i)

"Habitable area" means the space in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking.

(ii)

"Habitable area" includes bathrooms and toilet compartments.

(2)

"Habitable area" does not include closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas.

(j)

Housing unit. "Housing unit" means a single unit of a structure that:

(1)

Provides or is intended to provide complete living and sleeping facilities for one or more occupants; and

(2)

Is intended to have the same meaning as the term "dwelling unit" as defined in the County Building Code.

(k)

Infestation. "Infestation" means the presence of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests, within or contiguous to a structure or on a premises.

(l)

Maintenance. "Maintenance" means repair and other acts intended to prevent the condition of a structure, premises, or equipment from declining below the standards established by this code or other applicable law.

(m)

Mechanical ventilation. "Mechanical ventilation" means ventilation by power-driven devices.

(n)

Natural ventilation.

(1)

"Natural ventilation" means ventilation achieved without power-driven devices.

(2)

"Natural ventilation" includes ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers, or stacks without power-driven devices.

(o)

Occupant. "Occupant" means an individual who inhabits a space within a housing unit.

(p)

Operator. "Operator" means a person who has charge, care, or control of a structure or premises that is offered for occupancy.

(q)

Owner-occupied housing.

(1)

"Owner-occupied housing" means a dwelling, as defined under the county zoning regulations, that is designed for and occupied by not more than one family, including the owner.

(2)

"Owner-occupied housing" includes a vacant structure intended for use by not more than one family.

(r)

Plumbing.

(1)

"Plumbing" means the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances within the scope of the applicable plumbing code.

(2)

"Plumbing" includes the materials, facilities, and fixtures used to practice plumbing.

(s)

Plumbing fixture. "Plumbing fixture" means a receptacle or device that:

(1)

Is permanently connected to and uses the water distribution system of the premises;

(2)

Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or

(3)

Requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises.

(t)

Premises.

(1)

"Premises" means a lot, plot, or parcel of land.

(2)

"Premises" includes the structures on the land.

(u)

Property owner.

(1)

"Property owner" means a person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises.

(2)

"Property owner" includes:

(i)

The guardian of the estate of the person; or

(ii)

The personal representative or administrator of the estate of the person, if ordered to take possession of the premises by a court.

(v)

Rubbish. "Rubbish" means:

(1)

Paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery, dust, and similar materials; and

(2)

The residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke, and other combustible materials.

(w)

Structure. "Structure" means a residential structure used for human habitation.

(x)

Tenant. "Tenant" means an occupant other than a property owner.

(y)

Ventilation. "Ventilation" means the process of supplying air to or removing air from any space by natural or mechanical means.

(1988 Code, § 18-67) (Bill No. 69-95, § 7, 7-1-1995; Bill No. 46-96, § 3, 1-1-1997; Bill No. 25-01, § 2, 7-1-2004)