This chapter shall be known as the "Dover Housing Code." This
chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority of RSA 48-A.
As used in this chapter, the following terms mean:
A portion of any dwelling located partly underground, but
having less than 40% of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the
average grade of the adjoining ground.
A portion of any dwelling having 60% or more of its clear
floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
Any building, structure, trailer, mobile home or camp or
part thereof used and occupied for human habitation or intended to
be so used, and includes any appurtenances belonging thereto or usually
enjoyed therewith.
A room or group of rooms located within a dwelling and forming
a single habitable unit with facilities which are used or intended
to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
A room or enclosed floor space used or intended to be used
for living, sleeping or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, water
closet compartments, laundries, foyers, pantries, communicating corridors,
stairways, closets, basement, recreation rooms and storage spaces.
That administrative division of the City of Dover charged
with the responsibility of enforcing the Housing Code.
Any person, including an owner or operator, living and sleeping
in a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
The part of a window or door which is available for unobstructed
ventilation and which opens directly to the outdoors.
Any person having charge, care, management or control of
any dwelling or part of it in which dwelling units or rooming units
are let.
Any person who, alone, jointly or severally, with others,
holds legal or equitable title to any dwelling, rooming house, dwelling
unit or rooming unit.
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
Water-heating facilities, water pipes, garbage disposal units,
waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories,
bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes-washing machines, catch
basins, drains, vents and other similar supplied fixtures, together
with all connections to water or sewer lines.
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the buildings and
structures thereon.
Any dwelling or part thereof containing one or more rooming
units, in which space is let to three or more persons.
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.
Installed, furnished or provided by the owner or operator
at his expense.
This chapter is adopted for the purposes set forth in the above-noted
RSA 48-A:2 specifically in order that any dwelling which exists or
may exist within the City of Dover which is unfit for human habitation
due to dilapidation, dangerous defects which are likely to result
in fire, accidents or other calamities, unhealthful lack of ventilation
or sanitary facilities or due to other unhealthy or dilapidated or
hazardous conditions may be caused to be repaired, closed, demolished
or removed from the City of Dover.
Wherever the provisions of this chapter differ from those prescribed
by any other ordinance or regulation, the more restrictive shall apply.
In its interpretation and application, the intent of this chapter
will be held to be the promotion of the public health, safety and
general welfare.
No officer or employee of the City of Dover acting for the City
of Dover if discharged of his duties with respect to this chapter
shall render himself personally liable for any damage that may accrue
to any person or property as a result of his acts in the discharge
of his duties. The General Legal Counsel of the City of Dover shall
act on behalf of and in defense of any such officer or employee against
whom suit is brought as a result of such performance of his duties
with respect to this chapter until the final determination of the
proceedings.
The terms and requirements of this chapter shall apply to all
buildings, structures, trailers, mobile homes, camps or parts thereof
used or intended to be used for habitation and shall include, in addition
to private dwellings, all motels, hotels and rooming houses.
A.
This chapter shall be administered as provided in RSA 48-A. The Housing
Standards Board shall consist of three members, namely the Health
Officer, Fire and Rescue Chief and Director of Planning and Community
Development. The terms of these members shall correspond with their
respective official tenure.
B.
A Chair shall be elected from among the members to preside over all
meetings. The Board shall meet on the call of the Chair.
C.
The Board shall maintain a permanent record of all its meetings and
hearings, together with copies of all complaints, inspections, notices,
orders and correspondence.
D.
The terms of these members shall correspond with their respective
official tenure.
E.
The Board shall render an annual report of its activities to the
City Council of the City of Dover.
