The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) Owner. - The holder of the title in fee simple and every mortgagee of record.
(2) Parties in interest. - All individuals, associations, and corporations that have interests of record in a dwelling and any that are in possession of a dwelling.
(3) Public authority. - Any housing authority or any officer that 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 local government.
(4) Public officer. - The officer authorized by ordinances adopted under this Article to exercise the powers prescribed by the ordinances and by this Article.