16.08.210 Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below or unless context clearly requires a different meaning, terms used in this chapter have the meaning given them by the currently adopted edition of the International Building Code. Gender and number are interchangeable. Defined terms or concepts from this title generally apply to this chapter.
A. “Abandoned” means any property, real or personal, which is unattended and either open or unsecured so that admittance may be gained without damaging any portion of the property, or which evidences indicate that no person is presently in possession, e.g., disconnected utilities, accumulated debris, uncleanliness, disrepair and, in the case of chattels, location. Length of time or any particular state of mind of the owner or person entitled to possession is not conclusive in determining that property is abandoned.
B. “Boarded-up building” means any building the exterior openings of which are closed by extrinsic devices or some other manner designed or calculated to be permanent, giving to the building the appearance of nonoccupancy or nonuse for an indefinite period of time.
C. “Building” means any building, dwelling, structure, or mobile home, factory-built house, or part thereof, built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind.
D. “Director” means the applicable director of a city department, that director’s authorized deputies and representative.
E. “Health officer” means the head of the Snohomish District health department, his authorized deputies or representatives.
F. “Nuisance” includes:
1. A nuisance defined by statute or ordinance;
2. A nuisance at common law either public or private;
3. An attractive nuisance, whether in or on a building, a building premises or an unoccupied lot and whether realty, fixture or chattel, which might reasonably be expected to attract children of tender years and constitute a danger to them; including, but not limited to, abandoned wells, ice boxes or refrigerators with doors and latches, shafts, basements or other excavations, abandoned or inoperative vehicles or other equipment, structurally unsound fences or other fixtures, lumber, fencing, vegetation or other debris;
4. Uncleanliness or whatever is dangerous to human life or detrimental to health; or
5. Abandonment or vacancy.
G. “Owner” means any person having any interest in the real estate in question as shown upon the records of the office of the Snohomish County auditor, or who establishes his interest before the director or hearing examiner. For the purpose of giving notice, the term “owner” also includes any person in physical possession. (Ord. 3006 § 8 (Exh. H), 2013; Ord. 2012 § 1, 1994)