Groton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 93 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 93-2
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 §§ 93-3 , 93-4 and 93-5 . 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 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 93-2 of Groton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 93 establishes the definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is read and applied. 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 the scope of the fair-housing rules that follow in subsequent sections, ensuring that the chapter's protections and prohibitions apply as widely as the language intends.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Groton should be aware that § 93-2 defines the foundational terms used throughout Chapter 93, and those definitions are intentionally broad. A "dwelling" covers not just occupied buildings but also vacant land offered for sale or lease for residential construction, meaning compliance obligations can arise even before a structure exists. Operators who lease, sublease, or otherwise grant occupancy rights for consideration are engaged in conduct that falls within the chapter's definition of "to rent," so the anti-discrimination provisions in §§ 93-3 through 93-5 apply across a wide range of transactions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Groton benefit from the broad definitions set out in § 93-2, which extend the chapter's protections to a wide range of living situations and individuals. Because "family" includes a single individual and "person" encompasses corporations and organizations as well as individuals, the fair-housing rules that follow in §§ 93-3 through 93-5 are not limited to traditional household arrangements. Individuals who believe a housing practice may violate Chapter 93 can review these definitions to understand whether their situation falls within the chapter's scope, and may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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