24 V.S.A. § ___ § 5002
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: (1) “Board” means the board established or designated as the housing board of review. (2) “Dwelling” means any building or structure or part thereof, including hotels and rooming houses, that is used, occupied, or intended to be used or occupied for human habitation, and includes dwelling premises, appurtenances, and facilities belonging to the dwelling or usually enjoyed therewith. (3) “Dwelling premises” means the land and auxiliary buildings thereon used or intended to be used in connection with the dwelling. (4) “Enforcing officer” means the head, or his or her duly authorized representative, of the division, bureau, office, department, or agency responsible for enforcing and administering any ordinance or regulation adopted under this chapter. (5) “Municipality” means a city, town, or incorporated village. (Added 1969, No. 270 (Adj. Sess.).)
Section 5002 of 24 V.S.A. ch. 123 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Vermont's municipal housing code chapter. It defines key terms such as "dwelling," "dwelling premises," "board," "enforcing officer," and "municipality" so that these words carry consistent, specific meanings whenever they appear in the chapter. For example, a "dwelling" is broadly defined to include not just traditional homes but also hotels and rooming houses, along with their associated land and facilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Vermont municipalities should be aware that the definitions in § 5002 set the scope of who and what falls under this chapter's housing regulations. Because "dwelling" is defined broadly to include hotels, rooming houses, and associated structures and appurtenances, operators of a wide range of residential properties may find themselves subject to local ordinances adopted under this chapter. Understanding these foundational definitions helps operators recognize when local housing board of review rules and enforcing officer authority apply to their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants in Vermont, the definitions established in § 5002 are important because they determine which types of housing — including not just apartments but also hotels and rooming houses — fall within the protections and standards of this chapter. The broad definition of "dwelling" means that residents of a variety of living arrangements may be covered by local ordinances adopted under ch. 123. Tenants who believe their housing conditions may be subject to these rules can contact their local municipality's enforcing officer or a tenant-rights organization to better understand how these definitions apply to their situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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