Definition of "Single-Family Dwelling" and NEC 555

[ivsenroute]

Is there a legal definition of "Single-Family Dwelling?"

Is a townhouse a single-family dwelling? I have seen real estate literature and articles that say "no." They say that if it has a common wall, it is not a single-family dwelling, it could be a condo, townhouse or two-family dwelling.

Here is a scenario. Let me know if you think whether or not NEC 555 applies for the 2014 edition. I already know that this has been changed for the 2017 but many of us are still on the 2014 and older editions of NFPA 70.

A small gated community consists of townhouses. In the back of the gated community is waterfront. On the water, accessible only via development property is a new fixed dock with piers for use by the owners of the townhomes in the gated community. There is a separate service for the docks with one meter and an MDP on the dock which feeds dock pedestals and boat lifts.

Would the 2014 NFPA 70 apply for construction of or work performed on the common dock or individual boat slips?

 

[infinity]

Here are the dwelling definitions from Article 100. Is the term single family dwelling even in the NEC?

Dwelling, One-Family. A building that consists solely of
one dwelling unit.
Dwelling, Two-Family. A building that consists solely of
two dwelling units.
Dwelling, Multifamily. A building that contains three or
more dwelling units.
Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete and in-
dependent living facilities for one or more persons, includ-
ing permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and
sanitation.

 

[david]

Is there a legal definition of "Single-Family Dwelling?"

Is a townhouse a single-family dwelling? I have seen real estate literature and articles that say "no." They say that if it has a common wall, it is not a single-family dwelling, it could be a condo, townhouse or two-family dwelling.

Here is a scenario. Let me know if you think whether or not NEC 555 applies for the 2014 edition. I already know that this has been changed for the 2017 but many of us are still on the 2014 and older editions of NFPA 70.

A small gated community consists of townhouses. In the back of the gated community is waterfront. On the water, accessible only via development property is a new fixed dock with piers for use by the owners of the townhomes in the gated community. There is a separate service for the docks with one meter and an MDP on the dock which feeds dock pedestals and boat lifts.

Would the 2014 NFPA 70 apply for construction of or work performed on the common dock or individual boat slips?

the owner or residents of (the associated single family dwelling) seems to indicate a singular single family dwelling not multi family or a community of dwellings. My reading would lean to a private dock associated with only one single family dwelling

In other words the residents of the single family dwelling (singular) have control over who has access to the private dock

 

[romex jockey]

My state would define anything in a group as 'complex structure'.....~RJ~

 

[goldstar]

Here are the dwelling definitions from Article 100. Is the term single family dwelling even in the NEC?

Dwelling, One-Family. A building that consists solely of one
dwelling unit. (CMP-1)
Dwelling, Two-Family. A building that consists solely of two
dwelling units. (CMP-1)
Dwelling, Multifamily. A building that contains three or more
dwelling units. (CMP-1)
Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete and independent
living facilities for one or more persons, including
permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.
(CMP-2)

IMHO, if a building consists of more than one dwelling space it is not a single family dwelling. That said, and again IMHO, any condos that have a connection (even with a demising wall) could not be considered single family dwellings.