(A) Words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context:
BEDROOM. The definition for bedroom is "sleeping room" as set forth in the current version of the Rhode Island Building Code SBC-1. Only a room meeting the definition of "sleeping room" in said code and complying with all provisions therein related to square footage, private accessibility, window specifications, and ventilation shall be considered a BEDROOM for the purposes of this chapter.
DWELLING UNIT. A structure or portion thereof providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and containing a separate means of ingress and egress.
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE. A person designated on a registration form filed under this chapter as the person authorized to receive any process, notice or demand required or permitted to be served upon the owner of the premises. A local representative may, but need not, also serve as property manager.
REGISTRAR. The Middletown Building Official/Zoning Enforcement Officer.
RENTER and/or TENANT. Any and all individuals occupying a dwelling unit under the terms of a short-term rental lease, including any and all guests of tenants.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL LEASE. A lease or other contractual arrangement for the occupation of a dwelling unit for a term of 31 days or less; provided, however, that this term does not include an extension, including a month- to-month extension, granted without an intervening period of non-occupancy to tenants currently occupying the premises under a written lease for a term of more than 31 days.
(B) Unless otherwise defined in this section, words and phrases shall have the meaning stated in Article 4 of the Zoning Code if defined therein.
(C) All words and phrases in this chapter, whether or not defined in this section or the Zoning Code, shall be interpreted so as to carry out the Council’s intent as stated in § 98.01.
(Ord. passed 11-16-99; Am. Ord. 2017-3, passed 1-17-17; Am. Ord. 2021-20, passed 11-15-21)