Great Neck, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 321 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 321-4

Definitions

In Force
Verified 11/9/2026 · Next check 2/7/2027
Great NeckStatutory Standards

Operative Text

Great Neck, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 321 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 321-4
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ACCESSORY STRUCTURE A structure the use of which is incidental to that of the residential building and which is located on the same premises. ACCESSORY USE A use, occupancy or tenancy customarily incidental to the principal use or occupancy of a residential building. Such accessory uses may include, among others, the following: A. Offices for the building management. B. Dining rooms, banquet rooms, public kitchens and ballrooms. C. Recreation and play rooms. D. Laundries for the use of tenants and occupants and in connection with the management and operation of a residential building. E. Maintenance and work shops; storage rooms for linen, bedding, furniture, supplies and tenants' equipment and effects. F. Garages within a residential building or on the premises thereof, used for the storage of passenger-type motor vehicles. APARTMENT Dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling or two-family dwelling. APPROVED Approved by the administrative officer under the regulations of this chapter or approved by an authority designated by law or this chapter. BASEMENT That space of a building that is partly below grade and which has more than 1/2 its height, measured from floor to ceiling, either above the average established curb level or above the finished grade of the ground adjoining the building. BATHROOM Enclosed space containing one or more bathtubs or showers, or both, and which may also contain water closets, lavatories or fixtures serving similar purposes. (See definition of "toilet room.") BUILDING A structure wholly or partially enclosed within exterior walls, or within exterior or party walls, and a roof, affording shelter to persons, animals or property. CELLAR That space of a building that is partly or entirely below grade and which has more than 1/2 of its height, measured from floor to ceiling, both below the average established curb level or below finished grade of the ground adjoining the building. DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY Building containing not more than one dwelling unit, occupied exclusively for residential purposes. DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY Building containing not more than two dwelling units, occupied exclusively for residential purposes. DWELLING UNIT One or more rooms with a separate entrance and with provision for living, cooking, sanitary and sleeping facilities arranged for the use of one family only. EXIT A way of departure from the interior of a building or structure to the exterior at street or grade, including doorways, passageways, hallways, corridors, stairways, ramps, fire escapes and all other elements necessary for egress or escape. FAMILY One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants. A number of persons, not exceeding two, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related by blood, adoption or marriage shall be deemed to constitute a "family." GARBAGE The wastes from the preparation, cooking and consumption of foods; market refuse; waste from the handling, storage and sale of produce; paper; cartons; empty glass bottles; small tin cans; rags and miscellaneous combustible household trash. GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARD A specification, code, rule, guide or procedure in the field of construction or related thereto, recognized and accepted as authoritative. GRADE, FINISHED Natural surface of the ground, or surface of ground after completion of any change in contour, abutting building or premises. HABITABLE SPACE Space occupied by one or more persons for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Kitchenettes shall not be deemed to be habitable space. (See definitions of "nonhabitable space," "public space" and "exit.") INFESTATION The presence, within or contiguous to a dwelling, dwelling unit or premises, of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests. KITCHEN Space 60 square feet or more in floor area, with a minimum width of five feet, used for cooking or preparation of food. KITCHENETTE Space less than 60 square feet in floor area, used for cooking or preparation of food. MIXED OCCUPANCY Occupancy of a building in part for residential use and in part for some other use not accessory thereto. MULTIPLE DWELLING Building containing three or more dwelling units. MULTIPLE RESIDENCE See "multiple dwelling." MUNICIPALITY A county, town or village. NONHABITABLE SPACE Space used as kitchenettes; pantries; bath, toilet, laundry, rest, dressing, locker, storage, utility, heater and boiler rooms; closets and other spaces for service and maintenance of the building, and those spaces used for access and vertical travel between stories. (See definitions of "habitable space," "public space" and "exit.") PLUMBING SYSTEM The water supply system, the drainage system, the vent system, and fixtures and traps, including their respective connections, devices and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises. POTABLE WATER Water which is approved for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes. PUBLIC SPACE Space for public use within a residential building, such as lobbies; lounges; reception, ball, meeting, lecture and recreation rooms; banquet and dining rooms and their kitchens, and swimming pools. SEWAGE Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution. STRUCTURE An assembly of materials forming a construction framed of component structural parts for occupancy or use, including buildings. TOILET ROOM Enclosed space containing one or more water closets, which space may also contain one or more lavatories, urinals and other plumbing fixtures. (See definition of "bathroom.") VENTILATION Supply and removal of air to and from a space by natural or mechanical means. VENTILATION, MECHANICAL Ventilation by power-driven devices. VENTILATION, NATURAL Ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks, with or without wind-driven devices.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Section 321-4 of Great Neck, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 321 establishes the official definitions that govern how terms are interpreted throughout the chapter's housing regulations. Words like "dwelling unit," "family," "habitable space," "multiple dwelling," and "accessory use" carry specific legal meanings under this section that may differ from everyday usage. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all other requirements and standards found elsewhere in Chapter 321.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on November 9, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Property owners and managers operating residential buildings in Great Neck should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in § 321-4, since compliance determinations throughout Chapter 321 hinge on these precise meanings. For example, the definitions of "kitchen" versus "kitchenette," "basement" versus "cellar," and "habitable space" versus "nonhabitable space" directly affect how spaces may be classified, advertised, and maintained. Operators generally ensure that unit descriptions, lease terms, and building records align with the definitions codified in this section.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Renters in Great Neck benefit from understanding that the definitions in § 321-4 of Chapter 321 shape what landlords are legally required to provide and how spaces in a building may be used or classified. For instance, the definition of "dwelling unit" requires a separate entrance and provisions for living, cooking, sanitary, and sleeping facilities, while "family" has a specific meaning that can affect occupancy rights. Tenants who believe a space has been misclassified or that their unit does not meet the chapter's standards may raise the relevant definitions when filing a complaint with local housing authorities or consulting a tenant-rights organization.

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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.

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References Out

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References In

Rules and statutes that cite this regulation

Great Neck Code § 321-42

Related Rules

§ 192-8
Penalties for offenses
§ 157-2
Legislative intent
§ 244.850
Basement space may be habitable

Source Information

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