Pawling, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 55 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 55-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AFFORDABLE HOUSING A residential dwelling unit made available for sale or rent at a price established in conformance with §§ 55-4 and 55-5 below. AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD A Board to be composed of five residents of the Town of Pawling whose function is to properly administer the goals, intents and provisions of this chapter so that said goals, intents and provisions are realized. AGGREGATE INCOME The gross annual income of all members of a household, including but not limited to taxable income, nontaxable income, investment income, accident and health insurance benefits, insurance policy proceeds, distributions from trust funds, social security payments and unemployment compensation, excluding the earnings of working minors and/or full-time students. The term for fixing the gross annual income shall be such as is fixed by the Affordable Housing Board's rules and regulations. CEILING RATE Prices for ownership and rental housing which, if exceeded, shall not qualify a housing unit as affordable housing. DENSITY BONUS The amount of additional density allowed in a development by the Town Board pursuant to § 55-3C below. DEVELOPMENT Any plan, including subdivision, site plan and/or development on a parcel of land, on which shall be erected or improved any building or buildings that contain affordable housing. ENVIRONMENT The physical conditions which will be affected by the proposed density bonus, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, noise, objects of historic or aesthetic significance, existing patterns of population concentration, distribution or growth and existing community or neighborhood character and demographics. INDEX RATES Ownership and rental pricing standards derived from readily available and reliable date sources used in determining housing affordability for the calculation of target and ceiling rates. QUALIFYING INCOME The income needed to pay the principal and interest payments on a fixed-rate, thirty-year mortgage of 80% of the sales price of affordable housing, at current mortgage rates. SEMIDETACHED DWELLING A one-family dwelling unit having one party wall and one side yard. TARGET RATES Prices for ownership and rental of affordable housing which are to be used to guide the Town Board in determining the extent of density bonus to be granted.
Section 55-2 of Pawling, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 55 establishes the vocabulary used throughout the town's affordable housing program. Key terms such as 'Affordable Housing,' 'Aggregate Income,' 'Ceiling Rate,' 'Target Rates,' and 'Density Bonus' are given specific, defined meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. These definitions set the boundaries for what qualifies as affordable housing and how income, pricing, and development density are calculated under the program.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and developers operating under Pawling's affordable housing program should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in § 55-2, as these definitions control eligibility and compliance throughout Chapter 55. For example, the distinction between 'Ceiling Rates' and 'Target Rates' directly affects whether a unit qualifies as affordable housing and what density bonuses may be available. Operators generally ensure that their pricing, income calculations, and development plans align with these definitions as interpreted by the Affordable Housing Board's rules and regulations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants in Pawling, the definitions in § 55-2 establish the framework that determines whether a unit qualifies as 'Affordable Housing' and how household income—referred to as 'Aggregate Income'—is calculated for eligibility purposes. Notably, the earnings of working minors and full-time students are excluded from that income calculation under this section. Tenants who have questions about whether a unit or their household qualifies under these definitions may wish to contact the Affordable Housing Board or consult a local 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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation