Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-21
Terms; how construed
Operative Text
(a) Unless another meaning is clearly indicated by the context, the words listed in this article shall have the meanings indicated in this article, and such meanings shall be used in the interpretation and enforcement of this code. (b) Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in other zoning, fire, building or health ordinances of the city, they shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in those ordinances. (c) Where terms are not defined under the provisions of this code or under the provisions of other ordinances of the city, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context herein may imply.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. II § 12-21 establishes a hierarchy for interpreting terminology used throughout Bristol's housing code. Words defined within Article II carry those specific meanings when the code is applied or enforced. If a term is missing from the housing code, the city looks first to other local ordinances—such as zoning, fire, building, or health codes—and then, if still undefined, falls back on the term's ordinary, commonly understood meaning.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Bristol's housing regulations should be aware that § 12-21 governs how key terms in ch. 12, art. II are read and applied during inspections or enforcement proceedings. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the defined terms in Article II, as those definitions control how obligations and standards are interpreted. When a term appears in a notice or citation without a clear Article II definition, Bristol's other municipal ordinances—and ultimately ordinary usage—will supply its meaning.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-21 of Bristol's Code of Ordinances shapes how the words in the housing code are understood when a tenant's rights or a landlord's duties are at issue. If a dispute turns on the meaning of a particular term, this provision directs that Article II definitions come first, followed by other city ordinances, and finally plain everyday meaning. Tenants who believe a term is being applied inconsistently with these interpretive rules may raise that concern through Bristol's code enforcement process or by consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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