Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-6

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter: ACCESSORY The term applied to a building, structure or use which is clearly incidental or subordinate to and customarily in connection with the principal building, structure or use and which is located on the same lot with the principal building, structure or use. Any accessory building or structure attached to a principal building or structure is deemed to be part of such principal building or structure in applying the bulk requirements to such building or structure. No use shall be considered "accessory" where such use requires a greater area of a lot or larger setbacks or yards or for which greater restrictions than for the principal use on the lot are imposed by Chapter 255 , Zoning. APPROVED or APPROVED BY Approved or approved by the administrative officer under the regulations of this chapter or approved by an authority designated by law or this chapter. BASEMENT That portion of a building which is partly or completely below grade plane. (See "story" and "grade plane.") A basement shall be considered as a story above grade plane where the finished surface of the floor above the basement is: A. More than six feet (1,829 mm) above grade plane; B. More than six feet (1,829 mm) above the finished ground level for more than 50% of the total building perimeter; or C. More than 12 feet (3,568 mm) above the finished ground level at any point. BATHROOM Enclosed space containing one or more bathtubs or showers, or both, and which may also contain water closets, lavatories or fixtures serving similar purposes. (See definition of "toilet room.") BOARDINGHOUSE A dwelling, part of which is occupied by one or more persons, roomers, boarders or lodgers, etc., who are not members of the immediate family of the primary occupants, on more than an occasional basis, exceeding one month, in which there are provided services incidental to the dwelling's use as a temporary residence for said boarders, roomers, lodgers, etc. The term "boardinghouse" shall include a rooming house or lodging house, but not foster homes, for the purpose of this chapter. BUILDING Any structure or extension thereof or addition thereto having a roof supported by such things as columns, posts, press or walls and intended for the shelter, business, housing or enclosing of persons, animals or property. DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY A building which is designed, used or occupied for residential purposes for more than two dwelling units. DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY A building designed, used or occupied for residential purposes for one dwelling unit DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY A building containing not more than two dwelling units occupied exclusively for residential purposes, plus permitted accessory uses. DWELLING UNIT A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping facilities for only one family, including any domestic servants employed on the premises, having no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrances or other hallways or porches) or cooking or sanitary facilities in common with any other dwelling unit. A house trailer, boarding- or rooming house, convalescent home, dormitory, fraternity house, hotel, inn, lodging, nursing or other similar home or other similar structure shall not be deemed to constitute a "dwelling unit." EXIT A way of departure from the interior of a building or structure to the exterior at street or grade, including doorways, passageways, hallways, corridors, stairways, ramps, fire escapes and all other elements necessary for egress or escape. FAMILY One or more persons, related by blood, adoption or marriage, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit or a number of persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related by blood, adoption or marriage. GRADE, FINISHED The natural surface of the ground or the surface of the ground after completion of any change in contour, abutting building or premises. GRADE PLANE A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than six feet (1,828 mm) from the building, between the building and a point six feet (1,829 mm) from the building. HABITABLE SPACE Space occupied by one or more persons for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Kitchenettes shall not be deemed to be habitable space. (See definitions of "nonhabitable space," "public space" and "exit.") INFESTATION The presence, within or contiguous to a dwelling, dwelling unit, lodging house, lodging unit or premises, of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests. KITCHENETTE SPACE Less than 60 square feet in floor area used for cooking or preparation of food. KITCHEN SPACE Sixty square feet or more in floor area, with a minimum width of five feet used for cooking or preparation of food. LODGING HOUSE LODGING UNIT MIXED OCCUPANCY Occupancy of a building in part for residential use and in part for some other use not accessory thereto. NONHABITABLE SPACE Space used as kitchenettes, pantries, bath- , toilet, laundry, rest, dressing, locker, storage, utility, heater and boiler rooms, closets and other spaces for service and maintenance of the building and those spaces used for access and vertical travel between stories. (See definitions of "habitable space," "public space" and "exit.") PLUMBING SYSTEM The water supply system, the drainage system and the vent system, fixtures and traps, including their respective connections, devices and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises. POTABLE WATER Water which is approved for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes. PUBLIC SPACE Space within a residential building for public use, such as lobbies, lounges, reception, ball, meeting, lecture and recreation rooms, banquet and dining rooms and their kitchens and swimming pools. SEWAGE Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and which may include industrial wastes and liquids containing chemicals. STORY That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above. It is measured as the vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost floor, from the top of the floor finish or ceiling joists to the top of the roof rafters. A distance of six feet or less from the top of ceiling joists to the top of the roof rafters shall not be considered a story. STRUCTURE A combination of materials constructed, assembled or erected on, above or below the ground or attached to something having location on, above or below the ground, including but not limited to buildings, fences, tanks, towers and swimming pools. TOILET ROOM Enclosed space containing one or more water closets, which may also contain one or more lavatories, urinals and other plumbing fixtures. (See definition of "bathroom.") VENTILATION Supply and removal of air to and from a space by natural or mechanical means. VENTILATION, MECHANICAL Ventilation by power-driven devices. VENTILATION, NATURAL Ventilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks with or without wind-driven devices.