(a) Rules of interpretation.
(1) Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms defined in subsection (b) of this regulation shall have the meanings indicated for the purposes of this code.
(2) Words used in the present tense include the future. Words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.
(3) When the terms are not defined, through the methods authorized by this section, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context may imply.
(b) Terms defined.
(1) Act means Article 41.11-403, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) Basement means that portion of a structure which is partly or completely below grade.
(3) Central heating means the heating system permanently installed and adjusted so as to provide the distribution of heat to all habitable areas from a source outside of these areas.
(4) Code means the minimum livability code regulations (contained in this article).
(5) Code official means the director of permits and code management, City of Frederick Building Inspector, or their designee.
(6) Condemn means to declare a structure or part of it, premises, or equipment, unsafe or unfit for use or occupancy.
(7) Director means the director of the department of permits and code management of the city of Frederick.
(8) Extermination means the control and elimination of insects, rodents, or other pests by:
a. Eliminating their harborage places;
b. Removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food;
c. Poison spraying, fumigating, trapping, or by any other pest elimination methods which have received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(9) Garbage means the animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
(10) Habitable area means the space in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking including bathrooms and toilet compartments. Closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas are not considered habitable areas.
(11) Housing unit means a single unit of a structure providing or intending to provide complete living and sleeping facilities for one or more persons.
(12) Infestation means the presence, within or contiguous to, a structure or premises of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests.
(13) Maintenance means the repair and other acts intended to prevent a decline in the condition of a structure, premises, or equipment below the standards established by this Code and other applicable statutes, codes and ordinances.
(14) Occupant means an individual having possession of a space within a housing unit.
(15) Operator means a person who has charge, care, or control of a structure or premises which is offered for occupancy.
(16) Person includes an individual, partnership, limited partnership, trust, estate, association or corporation.
(17) Plumbing means the practice, materials, facilities, and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension or alteration of all piping, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances within the scope of the city of Frederick Plumbing Code.
(18) Plumbing fixture means a receptacle or device which:
a. Is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the premises, and demands a supply of water from it;
b. Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials, or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or
c. Requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises.
(19) Premises means a lot, plot or parcel of land including the structures on it.
(20) Property owner means a person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises, including the guardian of the estate of the person, or the executor or administrator of the estate of the person if ordered to take possession of the premises by a court.
(21) Rubbish means paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery, dust and other similar materials as well as the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke, and other combustible materials.
(22) Structure means a residential structure used for human habitation.
(23) Tenant means an occupant other than a property owner.
(24) Ventilation.
a. Ventilation means the process of supplying and removing air by natural mechanical means to or from a space.
b. Mechanical ventilation means ventilation by power driven devices.
c. Natural ventilation means ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers, or stacks without power-driven devices. (Ord. No. G-88-21, § .02, 12-8-88; Ord. No. G-90-36, § 1, 10-18-90; Ord. No. G-97-8, § 1, 2-20-97)