Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in the chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS The only persons authorized to inspect dwelling units and issue code violations citations. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT or DIRECTOR The department head of the Department of Development. This person will be in charge of the Code Enforcement Officers. DWELLING UNIT A single residential accommodation which is arranged, designed, used or, if vacant, intended for use exclusively as a domicile or residence of one or more human beings. HOUSING CODE All state and/or local laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards. OWNER The owner or owners of the freehold of the premises or lesser estate therein, a mortgage or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee or agent.
Section 177-2 of Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 177 establishes the working definitions that apply throughout the chapter's housing regulations. Key terms defined include 'Dwelling Unit,' which covers any single residential space used or intended as a residence; 'Owner,' which is broadly defined to include not just titleholders but also mortgagees, receivers, trustees, and agents; and 'Code Enforcement Officers,' who are the exclusively authorized personnel for inspecting dwelling units and issuing code violation citations. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all other provisions in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 177-2 of Chapter 177, the term 'Owner' is defined broadly enough to encompass not only titleholders but also mortgagees in possession, assignees of rents, receivers, executors, trustees, and agents — meaning property management responsibilities and potential code obligations can attach to a wide range of parties. Compliant operators in Lackawanna generally ensure that any inspections of their dwelling units are conducted only by authorized Code Enforcement Officers as defined in this section, and that they understand the Director of Development oversees those officers. Familiarity with how 'Housing Code' is defined — encompassing all applicable state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations — helps operators understand the full scope of standards their properties may be subject to.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 177-2 of Lackawanna's Chapter 177 is relevant to tenants because it clarifies who holds authority over housing inspections: only designated Code Enforcement Officers are authorized to inspect dwelling units and issue code violation citations. This means tenants who believe their residence does not meet applicable housing standards have a defined channel — Code Enforcement Officers operating under the Director of Development — through which violations may be formally identified. Tenants who have concerns about housing conditions may consider contacting the Department of Development, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or reviewing how the broadly defined term 'Owner' in § 177-2 may affect who bears responsibility for their unit's upkeep.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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