160A-442. Definitions.

The following terms shall have the meanings whenever used or referred to as indicated when used in this Part unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

(1) "City" means any incorporated city or any county.

(2) "Dwelling" means any building, structure, manufactured home or mobile home, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and includes any outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith, except that it does not include any manufactured home or mobile home, which is used solely for a seasonal vacation purpose. Temporary family health care structures, as defined in G.S. 160A-383.5, shall be considered dwellings for purposes of this Part, provided that any ordinance provision requiring minimum square footage shall not apply to such structures.

(3) "Governing body" means the council, board of commissioners, or other legislative body, charged with governing a city or county.

(3a) "Manufactured home" or "mobile home" means a structure as defined in G.S. 143-145(7).

(4) "Owner" means the holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.

(5) "Parties in interest" means all individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling and any who are in possession thereof.

(6) "Public authority" means any housing authority or any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the city, county, or State relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning dwellings in the city.

(7) "Public officer" means the officer or officers who are authorized by ordinances adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by the ordinances and by this Part.