Utica, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 2-12 § 2-12-510
Terms defined
Operative Text
The following terms shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this article: ADMINISTRATOR The Chief of the City Fire Department or his or her designee. AGENT Any person who has charge, care, or control of a building, or part thereof, in which rental dwelling units or rooming units are let. DEPARTMENT The City Fire Department. DWELLING Any building which is wholly or partly used or is intended to be used as habitable space for human occupants. FAMILY Includes spouse, son, daughter, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, niece, nephew, mother-in-law and father-in-law. INSPECTION OFFICERS Members of the City Fire Department. RENTAL DWELLING UNIT Any room or contiguous group of rooms located within a building and forming a single, habitable living space for one or more natural persons. ROOMING UNIT Any furnished room for rent located within a building and forming a single sleeping space. OWNER Any person or entity who, alone or with others, has legal or equitable title. OWNER-OCCUPIED TWO-FAMILY DWELLING A dwelling occupied by its owner or by members of his or her family on a nonrental basis.
Section 2-12-510 of Utica's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the rental housing article, defining key terms such as 'Administrator,' 'Agent,' 'Dwelling,' 'Rental Dwelling Unit,' 'Rooming Unit,' 'Owner,' and 'Owner-Occupied Two-Family Dwelling.' These definitions determine how the article's requirements are applied and who falls within its scope. For example, the term 'Agent' covers anyone who has charge, care, or control of a rental building, not just the legal owner, while 'Family' is specifically enumerated to include a defined set of relatives.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Utica should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 2-12-510, as these terms govern how the rest of the rental housing article is interpreted and enforced by the City Fire Department. The definition of 'Agent' means that a property manager or building superintendent who exercises control over a rental property may carry responsibilities under the article alongside the legal owner. Operators of owner-occupied two-family dwellings should note that this category is specifically defined and may be treated differently under the article's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 2-12-510 establishes who and what is covered by Utica's rental housing rules, which matters when a tenant is determining whether their living situation falls under the article's protections. The definitions of 'Rental Dwelling Unit' and 'Rooming Unit' describe the types of spaces the article addresses, and the definition of 'Agent' clarifies that a building manager or caretaker — not just the titled owner — can be held responsible under the article. Tenants who want to understand how these definitions apply to their housing situation may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization familiar with Utica's Code of Ordinances.
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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