Ballston Spa, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 114 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 114-2
Definitions and word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicates the contrary: words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 114-3 , 114-4 and 114-5 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. TO RENT Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 114-2 of Ballston Spa's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions that govern the entire fair housing chapter. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a family, and corporations are treated as persons. These definitions shape how all other provisions in Chapter 114 are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 114-2, the definitions that apply to Ballston Spa's fair housing chapter are intentionally broad, meaning that obligations and prohibitions in Chapter 114 extend to a wide range of housing arrangements and business structures. Compliant operators recognize that the term "dwelling" covers not just occupied buildings but also vacant land offered for sale or lease for residential construction, and that "to rent" encompasses subleases and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration. Property owners and management companies alike — since corporations qualify as "persons" under this section — are subject to the chapter's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 114-2 sets out the definitions that determine who and what is covered by Ballston Spa's fair housing rules in Chapter 114. Because "family" includes a single individual and "person" covers a wide range of entities, tenants in many different living situations may be protected under the chapter's anti-discrimination provisions. Those who believe a housing practice may violate Chapter 114 can review §§ 114-3, 114-4, and 114-5 — which define unlawful discriminatory housing practices — and may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation