§ 6-111. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned means a dwelling or unit which, by any observation, has been relinquished and is vacant.

Blighted means deteriorated, in a state of ill repair, filthy, decaying.

Blighted premises means any building or structure or any portion of said property that is defined by one (1) or more of the following definitions:

(1)

It is determined by the City that existing conditions pose a serious or immediate danger to the community (i.e., a life threatening condition or a condition which puts at risk the health or safety of citizens of the City);

(2)

It is not being maintained; the following factors may be considered in determining whether a structure or building is not being maintained:

a.

Missing or boarded windows or doors;

b.

A collapsing or missing wall;

c.

Sagging or collapsed roof or floor;

d.

Siding that is seriously damaged or missing;

e.

Fire damaged;

f.

A foundation that is seriously damaged or missing;

g.

A foundation that is structurally faulty; or

h.

Garbage, trash or abandoned cars situated on the premises;

(3)

It is becoming dilapidated or unsafe, as determined by the Building Official;

(4)

It has attracted illegal activity, as determined by the Chief of Police;

(5)

It is a fire hazard, as determined by the Fire Marshal;

(6)

It is a factor in materially depreciating property values in the immediate neighborhood because of its poorly maintained condition including a substantial and unreasonable interference with the reasonable and lawful use and enjoyment of other premises within the neighborhood as documented by neighborhood complaints, or cancellation of insurance on proximate properties;

(7)

It is a factor creating a substantial and unreasonable interference with the reasonable and lawful use and enjoyment of other space within the building or structure or of other premises within the neighborhood;

(8)

It constitutes a health or sanitary problem, as determined by the Health Director.

Dilapidated means any building or structure or part thereof that would not qualify for a certificate of use and occupancy or which is deemed an unsafe structure, and any dwelling or unit which is designated as unfit for human habitation as defined in the State Building Code or the Code of the City of Danbury.

Legal occupancy means occupancy that is legal by virtue of compliance with the State Building Code, State Fire Safety Code, local zoning, local housing and all other pertinent codes pertaining to housing, and which habitation shall be substantiated by a deed, bona fide lease agreement, rent receipt or utility statement.

Neighborhood means an area of the City comprised of all premises or parcels of land any part of which is within a radius of 800 feet of any part of another parcel or lot within the City limits.

Unit means any space within a building that is or can be rented by or to a single person or entity for his or its sole use, and is intended to be a single and distinct space.

Vacant means a building or structure which has been unoccupied for a period of sixty (60) days or longer, during which the building or portion thereof is not legally occupied. Pursuant to the provision of this article, enforcement action may proceed without regard to a period of vacancy whenever any unoccupied building attracts criminal activity, is a health risk because of trash disposal or other condition, is blighted, or otherwise falls within the condition generally described in section 6-112.

(Code 1961, § 10-92; Ord. No. 584, 11-7-2002; Ord. No. 14, § 10-92, 9-3-2014)