Springfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 235 § 235-1
Definitions (Springfield Lodging and Rooming Houses)
Operative Text
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall be applicable: BASEMENT A portion of dwelling located partly underground but having less than half its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground. BUILDING CODE The Building Code of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. CELLAR A portion of any dwelling having half or more than half of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground. COOKING FACILITIES A stove, sink, hot plate or so called "toast ovens" in any room which is used for the preparation of food, but shall not include a microwave or small refrigerator. DWELLING A building or structure, except temporary housing, which is wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by human occupants. DWELLING UNIT A single-family residence or multifamily residence consisting of individual units, each providing complete living facilities for one family. FAMILY Those persons as set forth in Article II 9 of the City of Springfield Zoning Ordinances. LESSEE Any person having charge, care, management, or control of any dwelling or part of it, which dwelling units or rooming units are let. MULTIFAMILY DWELLING Any dwelling or part thereof containing three or more dwelling units. OCCUPANT Any person, including an owner or lessee, living or sleeping in the dwelling unit or rooming unit. OWNER Any person who, alone, jointly or severally with others, holds legal or equitable title to any dwelling, rooming house, dwelling unit or rooming unit. ROOMING HOUSE Any dwelling or part thereof containing one or more rooming units, in which space is let to up to three additional persons. ROOMING UNIT Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living or sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes.
Springfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 235 § 235-1 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Article 235's housing regulations. Terms such as "dwelling," "dwelling unit," "rooming house," and "cellar" are given precise meanings that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted and applied. For example, the distinction between a basement and a cellar turns on whether more or less than half of the floor-to-ceiling height falls below the surrounding ground grade. These definitions set the boundaries for what types of spaces and arrangements fall under the article's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Springfield should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in CH. 235 § 235-1, because those definitions determine which regulatory obligations apply to a given structure or space. For instance, whether a below-grade space qualifies as a "basement" or a "cellar" affects how it may lawfully be used for occupancy. Operators of buildings with three or more units should note that such properties meet the article's definition of a "multifamily dwelling," which typically triggers a distinct set of compliance requirements elsewhere in Article 235.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Springfield benefit from understanding the definitions in CH. 235 § 235-1, because these terms shape what protections and standards apply to the space they occupy. For example, knowing whether a rented room qualifies as a "dwelling unit" or a "rooming unit" can affect which rights and habitability standards govern the arrangement. Tenants who believe their living space is being mischaracterized—or that below-grade areas are being rented in ways inconsistent with these definitions—may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant Springfield housing authority 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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