Ogdensburg, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 117 § 117-5
Definitions and word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this Part 1 , 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 Part 1 , certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under Article II . 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 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 To lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 117-5 of Ogdensburg, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 117 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how terms are interpreted throughout Part 1 of the local fair housing ordinance. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given broad meanings—for example, 'family' includes a single individual, and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape how all other provisions in Part 1 are read and applied, ensuring consistent interpretation across the ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Ogdensburg, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 117 § 117-5 should be aware that the ordinance's definitions are intentionally broad. Because 'dwelling' covers any building or portion thereof designed for residential occupancy—and 'to rent' includes subleasing and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration—compliant operators generally apply the ordinance's requirements to a wide range of housing transactions, not just traditional leases. Understanding that 'person' includes corporations means that business entities acting as landlords are equally subject to the obligations set out in Part 1.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Ogdensburg, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 117 § 117-5, the definitions in Part 1 are written to be inclusive, which can be relevant to renters asserting rights under the ordinance. Because 'family' is defined to include a single individual and 'to rent' covers subleases and other occupancy arrangements, a broad range of living situations and housing arrangements may fall within the ordinance's protections. Tenants who believe a provision of Part 1 applies to their situation may wish to review these definitions carefully and consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or housing agency 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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