§ 45-49-142 — Definitions

For the purposes of this part, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1) COMMERCIAL BUILDING. Any building, structure, or other improvement to real property used or expected to be used for commercial or business purposes including rental property. The term does not include a school, church, senior citizens facility, or utility distribution or transmission poles or towers, utility substations, or any building used primarily for fire or emergency services.
(2) DWELLING. Any building, structure, or other improvement to real property used or expected to be used as a dwelling or residence for one or more human beings, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
a. A building, structure, or improvement assessed, for the purposes of state and county ad valorem taxation, as Class III single-family owner- occupied residential property.
b. A duplex or an apartment building.
c. Residential property used to generate rental income.
d. Any manufactured home or house or travel trailer used or expected to be used as a dwelling or residence for one or more human beings. A building, structure, or other improvement shall be classified as a dwelling for purposes of this part notwithstanding the following:
1. That it is wholly or partially vacant or uninhabited at any time during the year for which a fire protection and suppression service fee with respect thereto is to be levied.
2. That it is also used or expected to be used simultaneously for a purpose, whether or not commercial in nature, other than as a dwelling or residence.
(3) VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. An organized group of area residents who meet the requirements of Section 9-3-17.

Legislative History

(Act 2015-258, § 2; Act 2019-152, § 1(2).)