Rockville Centre, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 132 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 132-1
Definitions and word usage
Operative Text
A. Definitions. Certain words, when used in this chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated or unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, are defined as follows: BUILDING or BUILDINGS Refers exclusively to residence buildings now or hereafter existing. "Residence buildings" are buildings or structures in any part of which sleeping accommodations are provided, except such as for other reasons may be classed as public buildings, hotels and convents. CELLAR OR BASEMENT DWELLING UNIT A space in a residence building, or any part of which is below the grade of the property nearest to such space. DWELLING UNIT A building or each portion of a building occupied by one family. NUISANCE Embraces public nuisances known at common law or in equity jurisprudence; and whatever is dangerous to human life or detrimental to health, and whatever dwelling is overcrowded or is not provided with adequate means of ingress and egress or is not sufficiently supported, ventilated, sewered, drained or cleaned, and whatever renders the air or human food or drink unwholesome, are also severally, in contemplation of this chapter, "nuisances." All such nuisances are hereby declared illegal. OCCUPIED or OCCUPANCY As applied to any building or dwelling unit, shall be construed as though followed by the words "or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied (or occupancy)." OWNER Includes the record owner of the title to any premises and also anyone exercising the rights of ownership therein at the time of the making of any order with respect thereto by the Village Board, and shall include a lessee of the entire building or structure (other than a single-family private dwelling) or a mortgagee in possession. PERSONS INTERESTED Includes the owner as herein defined, and all other persons interested in the property to which such words refer. PUBLIC HALL A hall, corridor or passageway not within a dwelling unit. A "public room" or "public part" of a building is a portion of said building used or designed or intended to be used in common by the occupants of two or more dwelling units in such building or by persons who are not tenants of said building, or exclusively for mechanical equipment of such building, or for storage purposes. A "living room" is a room which is not a public hall, public room or other public part of a dwelling; provided, however, that except as hereinafter stated, every room used for sleeping purposes shall be deemed a living room. Closets, water closet compartments, bathrooms, cooking spaces less than 49 square feet in area, and halls, corridors and passageways entirely within a dwelling unit shall not be deemed to be living rooms. REPAIR Includes any alteration, structural change or the performance of any act necessary or requisite to make any building or structure or any part thereof found by the Village Board to be a dangerous building or a substandard building within the purview of this chapter, comply with and conform to the requirements of law. SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS The person in charge of the Building Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, or his duly authorized representative. TOILET Includes a washbasin and a water closet, including the space occupied by them, together with all proper water connections. VILLAGE The Village of Rockville Centre. VILLAGE BOARD The Board of Trustees of the Village of Rockville Centre. VILLAGE COUNSEL The Counsel of the Village of Rockville Centre and any other counsel appointed by the Village Board to enforce the provisions of this chapter. B. Word. usage. (1) Where necessary, the singular shall include the plural, and the plural, the singular. The word "person" shall include a partnership, corporation, association or trustee. (2) "Or" and "and" as used herein may be construed interchangeably, where such meaning is necessary to effectuate the purpose of this chapter.
Section 132-1 of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 132 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's housing regulations. It defines key terms such as "building," "dwelling unit," "nuisance," "owner," and "superintendent of public works," setting the scope of who and what is covered by the chapter's requirements. Notably, the provision declares all defined nuisances—including overcrowded, poorly ventilated, or inadequately drained dwellings—to be illegal under village law. These definitions also govern how words like "or" and "and" are interpreted, ensuring consistent application across the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rockville Centre should be familiar with the definitions established in Chapter 132, § 132-1, because these terms shape the obligations that apply throughout the chapter. The definition of "owner" is notably broad, encompassing not only the record titleholder but also anyone exercising ownership rights, lessees of entire buildings, and mortgagees in possession—meaning management responsibilities under this chapter can attach to parties beyond the deed holder. Compliant operators generally ensure that their buildings avoid conditions classified as "nuisances" under § 132-1, such as overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, or insufficient drainage, all of which are declared illegal by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Rockville Centre residences benefit from the foundational protections embedded in Chapter 132, § 132-1, which declares conditions like overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate drainage to be illegal nuisances. Because the definition of "owner" in § 132-1 extends to anyone exercising ownership rights—not just the deed holder—tenants may have recourse against a broader set of responsible parties when housing conditions fall short. Tenants who believe their dwelling unit meets the definition of a nuisance under this section may consider documenting the conditions, contacting the Village of Rockville Centre's Building Department (overseen by the Superintendent of Public Works as defined in § 132-1), or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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