Champlain, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 72 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 72-2
Word usage; definitions
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 §§ 72-3 , 72-4 and 72-5 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence for 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 a lease, sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 72-2 of Champlain, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 72 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the village's fair housing rules. It clarifies that key terms like "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" carry broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and corporations are treated as "persons." These definitions shape how every other provision in Chapter 72 is read and applied, ensuring that the chapter's protections extend as widely as its language suggests.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Champlain should be aware that Chapter 72 § 72-2 defines the scope of who and what falls under the village's housing ordinance. Because "dwelling" covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy, and "person" encompasses corporations and other entities, operators of any size or structure are subject to the chapter's requirements. Compliant operators familiarize themselves with these definitions before interpreting their obligations under §§ 72-3, 72-4, and 72-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Champlain benefit from the broad definitions set out in § 72-2, which extend the chapter's protections to a wide range of living situations and household compositions. Because "family" includes a single individual and "to rent" covers leases, subleases, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, most residential situations fall within the ordinance's reach. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be unlawful under Chapter 72 can consult a tenant-rights organization or a local fair housing agency to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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
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