Columbia Definitions ordinance (§ 12-71)

The following definitions apply to this article:

Basic necessities of life means the cost of essential food, shelter and other fundamental needs.

Department means the department of public health and human services.

Dependent means a person who resides within the household of a registered domestic partnership and is:

(1) A biological, adopted, or foster child of a registered domestic partner; or

(2) A dependent as defined under United States Internal Revenue Service regulations; or

(3) A ward of a registered domestic partner as determined in a guardianship or other legal proceeding. Domestic partners means two (2) adults who share the same principal residence, and are jointly responsible for the basic necessities of life. The individuals need not contribute equally to the cost of these necessities, as long as they agree that both are responsible for the cost.