Wheatfield, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 93 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 93-2
Word usage and definitions
Operative Text
A. General. 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. Specific words or phrases. 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 §§ 93-3 , 93-4 and 93-5 . 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. FAMILIAL STATUS (1) One or more individuals, who have not attained the age of 18 years, being domiciled with: (a) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. (2) The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. FAMILY Includes a single individual. HANDICAP (1) A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities; or (2) A record of having such an impairment; or (3) Being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current use of or addiction to a controlled substance, as defined in § 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 802). 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 93-2 of Wheatfield, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 93 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the town's fair housing rules. It defines key terms such as "dwelling," "familial status," "handicap," "person," and "to rent" so that the rest of the chapter is interpreted consistently. Notably, "family" is defined broadly to include a single individual, and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions set the interpretive framework for the anti-discrimination provisions that follow in §§ 93-3 through 93-5.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Wheatfield should be familiar with the definitions established in § 93-2, because those definitions govern how the rest of Chapter 93 is applied. For example, the broad definition of "to rent" — which covers leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights for consideration — means that a wide range of housing transactions fall within the chapter's scope. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions uniformly across all applicants and residents, keeping in mind that "familial status" protections extend to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 93-2 of Wheatfield's Code of Ordinances defines the terms that underpin the town's fair housing protections, and understanding them can help residents recognize when those protections may apply to their situation. The definition of "handicap," for instance, covers not only a current impairment but also a record of one or being regarded as having one, while "familial status" protects households with children under 18 as well as expectant parents. Tenants who believe a housing provider's conduct may constitute a "discriminatory housing practice" as defined here — referencing the unlawful acts described in §§ 93-3, 93-4, and 93-5 — may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or a fair housing agency to explore available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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