Macomb — Ch. 13 Housing § 13-1
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended: Dwelling unit means a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Dwellings shall include all of the following: (1) Single-family dwelling means a building containing one dwelling unit. (2) Two-family dwelling (duplex) means a building containing two dwelling units. (3) Multifamily dwelling means a building containing more than two dwelling units. (4) Boarding house, rooming house, lodging house and tourist house means a building arranged or used for the lodging, with or without meals, for compensation, by individuals who are not members of the family. (5) Fraternity or sorority house means a building arranged and use for lodging and meals by individuals who are members of a recognized fraternity or sorority organization. (6) Short term rental means any rental property where the term of the rental is less than 30 days in duration. These are often, but not always, facilitated by digital platforms that assist with booking and promotional services. These are distinct from traditional bed and breakfast establishments as they are often less formal, impermanent and target a different market. These are also distinct from and shall not include hotels and motels. Permanent resident means any person who occupies or has the right to occupy any dwelling unit or rooming unit for at least 30 consecutive days. Person means any individual, firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, joint stock company, joint venture, public or private corporation, business trust, land trust, or receiver, executor, trustee, guardian or other representative appointed by order of any court. Premises means a lot, plot or parcel of land including the buildings and structures thereon. Rooming unit means 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 13-1 of Macomb's Chapter 13 Housing article establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the housing code. It defines the range of residential property types — from single-family homes and duplexes to multifamily buildings, rooming houses, and short-term rentals — as well as key concepts like 'dwelling unit,' 'rooming unit,' 'permanent resident,' and 'premises.' These definitions set the boundaries for how all other provisions in the article are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Macomb Ch. 13 Housing § 13-1 should be aware that the type of structure they operate — whether a single-family home, duplex, multifamily building, rooming house, or short-term rental — determines how the rest of the housing article applies to them. For example, a short-term rental is specifically defined as any rental of less than 30 days and is treated distinctly from hotels, motels, and traditional bed-and-breakfasts. Operators generally ensure their property is accurately categorized under § 13-1 so that the correct regulatory requirements are applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, the definitions in Macomb Ch. 13 Housing § 13-1 are important because they establish what type of dwelling or unit a person lives in, which in turn affects what protections and obligations apply under the broader housing article. The definition of 'permanent resident' — someone who occupies a unit for at least 30 consecutive days — may be relevant to understanding one's standing under the code. Tenants who have questions about how their housing situation is classified can consult a local tenant-rights organization or housing authority for general guidance.
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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