Crest Hill, IL Code of Ordinances Ch. 15.09 Inspection of Rental Units § 15.09.010
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly
indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMMERCIAL UNIT. Any room or group of rooms used for the transaction of any business
whatsoever, where said room or group of rooms are not used or intended to be used for living and
sleeping on a permanent basis. Permanent basis shall be defined to mean more than 28 days.
COMMON AREA. Any hallway, foyer, communal laundry or storage area, meeting or party room and
any other area that is used by all the residents of a building or the general public.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
DWELLINGS.
(1) Single-family dwelling. A building containing one dwelling unit for occupancy by one family
only.
(2) Two-family dwelling (duplex). A building containing two dwelling units separated from each
other by one or more common walls for occupancy by no more than two families only.
(3) Multi-family dwelling. A building or portion thereof containing more than two dwelling units
and not classified as one- or two-family dwellings.
(4) Boarding house, Rooming house, Lodging house or Tourist house. A building arranged or used
for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation, by individuals who are not members of the family.
(5) Dormitory. A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided for
persons not members of the same family group in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms.
(6) Hotel or Motel. A room or rooms in any building or structure kept, used, maintained,
advertised or held out to the public to be an inn, motel, hotel, or apartment hotel, in accordance with the
definition of hotel and motel contained in the Crest Hill Zoning Ordinance.
PREMISES. A lot, plot or parcel of land including the buildings or structures thereon.
RENT, LET or LET FOR OCCUPANCY. To permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling, dwelling
unit, rooming unit, commercial unit, building or structure for consideration.
ROOMING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to
be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes.Section 15.09.010 of the Crest Hill, IL Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 15.09, which governs the inspection of rental units. It defines key terms—such as "dwelling unit," "common area," "rooming unit," and "premises"—that determine which spaces and arrangements fall under the chapter's scope. The definitions also distinguish between residential and commercial uses, and among different building types ranging from single-family homes to hotels and dormitories.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15.09.010, the type of property a landlord operates—whether a single-family home, duplex, multi-family building, rooming house, or other structure—determines how Chapter 15.09's inspection requirements apply to that property. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these definitions to understand which units, common areas, and premises are subject to oversight. Knowing whether a space qualifies as a "dwelling unit," "rooming unit," or "commercial unit" under this section helps operators apply the correct standards to each part of their property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15.09.010 sets out the definitions that shape what protections and inspection requirements apply to the space a tenant occupies under Chapter 15.09. Whether a rented space is classified as a "dwelling unit," "rooming unit," or falls within a "common area" can affect which rules govern its condition and upkeep. Tenants who want to understand how their specific type of housing is categorized under this chapter may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization familiar with Crest Hill ordinances.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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