West Carthage, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 44 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 44-2
Word usage; definitions
Operative Text
A. 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. 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 §§ 44-3 , 44-4 and 44-5 . 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 thereon 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 44-2 of West Carthage, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 44 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the village's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "to rent" are defined broadly — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions govern how all other provisions in Chapter 44 are read and applied, and the word "shall" throughout the chapter carries mandatory force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under West Carthage, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 44 should be aware that § 44-2 defines the scope of who and what is covered by the chapter's requirements. Because "dwelling" includes any building or portion designed for residential occupancy, and "to rent" covers leasing, subleasing, and similar arrangements, a broad range of housing transactions fall within the chapter's reach. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently when evaluating their obligations under §§ 44-3, 44-4, and 44-5.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 44-2 of West Carthage's Chapter 44, the definitions are written to be inclusive — a single person living alone qualifies as a "family," and the term "person" covers a wide range of entities that might act as a landlord or housing provider. This means the chapter's protections against discriminatory housing practices extend to a broad set of living arrangements and transaction types. Tenants who believe a housing provider has engaged in conduct that may constitute a "discriminatory housing practice" as defined by reference to §§ 44-3, 44-4, and 44-5 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or local housing authority to understand available complaint and enforcement paths.
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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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation