447.620. Definitions.

Definitions.

447.620. As used in sections 447.620 to 447.640, the following termsmean:

(1) "Housing code", a local building, fire, health, propertymaintenance, nuisance, or other ordinance which contains standardsregulating the condition or maintenance of residential buildings;

(2) "Last known address", the address where the property is locatedor the address as listed in the property tax records;

(3) "Municipality", any incorporated city, town, or village;

(4) "Nuisance", any property which because of its physical conditionor use is a public nuisance or any property which constitutes a blight onthe surrounding area or any property which is in violation of theapplicable housing code such that it constitutes a substantial threat tothe life, health, or safety of the public. For purposes of sections447.620 to 447.640, any declaration of a public nuisance by a municipalitypursuant to an ordinance adopted pursuant to sections 67.400 to 67.450,RSMo, shall constitute prima facie evidence that the property is anuisance;

(5) "Organization", any Missouri not-for-profit organization validlyorganized pursuant to law and whose purpose includes the provision orenhancement of housing opportunities in its community and which has beenincorporated for at least six months;

(6) "Parties in interest", any owner or owners of record, occupant,lessee, mortgagee, trustee, personal representative, agent, or other partyhaving an interest in the property as shown by the land records of therecorder of deeds of the county wherein the property is located, except inany municipality contained wholly or partially within a county with acharter form of government and with more than six hundred thousand but lessthan seven hundred thousand inhabitants, "parties in interest" shall meanowners, lessees, mortgagees, or lienholders whose interest has beenrecorded or filed in the public records;

(7) "Rehabilitation", the process of improving the property,including, but not limited to, bringing the property into compliance withthe applicable housing code.

(L. 1993 S.B. 376 § 1, A.L. 1998 H.B. 977 & 1608, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1634 merged with S.B. 1086 & 1126, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58)