§ 79-1. Definitions.

Blighted structure or condition means a structure in which conditions endanger life or property or are leading to economic distress; which has faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness; unsanitary or unsafe conditions; deterioration of site or other improvements; has faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility; unsanitary or unsafe condition(s); or deterioration of the site and its improvements, and which condition impairs or arrests the sound growth of the county or are a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare.

Dangerous structure or uninhabitable structure means a structure with one or more of the following criteria:

(1)

The structure, or a portion thereof has been extensively damaged by fire, flood, wind, or other natural phenomena such that the building or structure is substantially destroyed or poses an immediate and manifest danger to the life, health, or safety of the general public or occupant.

(2)

The structure is so unsanitary or so utterly fails to provide the amenities essential to decent living that it is manifestly unfit for human habitation, or is likely to cause sickness or disease, so as to work injury to the life, health or safety of the general public or occupant. "Amenities essential to decent living" include, but are not limited to, the availability of potable water, at least one working toilet, and protection from exposure to the elements.

(3)

The structure, or a portion thereof, as a result of decay, deterioration, or dilapidation is likely to fully or partially collapse.

(4)

The condition of the structure, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate threat to life or property by fire or other causes.

(5)

The site to be cleared by demolition consists of the remains, debris, wall, chimney, or floors of or left from a building or structure that has partially or completely collapsed, fallen, or been torn down.

(6)

There is a serious and substantial falling away, hanging loose, or loosening of the siding, block, brick, or other building material creating a hazard for occupants or the public.

(7)

The structural parts have become so dilapidated, decayed, or deteriorated, or there is an unusual sagging or leaning out of plumb of the building or any part thereof caused by deterioration or overstressing of the structure or structural parts, that the structure is manifestly unsafe.

Hearing officer means a member in good standing of the Florida Bar who is hired or appointed by the county to hear and decide appeals from orders of condemnation, demolition, and securing a structure issued pursuant to this chapter.

Interested party means the owner as defined below and any other person or entity who has previously requested real property ad valorem tax notices with respect to the subject property in accordance with F.S. § 197.344, as the same may be renumbered or amended from time to time, and any mortgage holders or other lien holders of record, and the occupants, if any, of the structure.

Owner means:

(1)

The holder of the title in fee simple, whether a single person, a group of persons or one or more companies, associations or corporations as shown by the public records of the county.

(2)

A person who alone or jointly or severally with others, as shown by the public records of the county:

a.

Has legal title to a dwelling unit, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof.

b.

Has charge, care or control of a dwelling or dwelling unit, as owner or as personal representative, administrator, trustee, guardian of the estate of the owner, mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, lessee or other person, firm or corporation in control of a building.

c.

The duly authorized agent of any of the foregoing.

Slum structure or condition means buildings or improvements, whether residential or nonresidential, which by reason of dilapidation, deterioration, age, or obsolescence cause inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation or open spaces; the existence of condition(s) which endanger life or property by fire or other causes; or any combination of factors which contribute to ill health, transmission of disease, juvenile delinquency or crime, or are detrimental to the public health, safety, morals or welfare.

(Ord. No. 04-41, § 3, 9-8-04; Ord. No. 17-36, § 3, 9-26-17; Ord. No. 18-40, § 3, 10-9-18)