Brighton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 163 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 163-3
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: COMMERCIAL SPACE Any space in a building, structure, or portion thereof which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied for the manufacture, sale, resale, processing, reprocessing, displaying, storing, handling, garaging or distribution of personal property; and any space which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as a separate business or professional unit or office in any building, structure or portion thereof. DISCRIMINATION Any direct or indirect act, policy or practice of exclusion, distinction, restriction, segregation, separation, limitation, refusal, denial or any other act or practice of differentiation or preference; or the aiding, abetting, inciting, coercing or compelling thereof. HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Includes any building, structure, or portion thereof located in the Town which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied as the home, residence or sleeping place of one or more human beings. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, or receivers. REAL ESTATE BROKER Any person, firm or corporation who, for another and for a fee, commission or other valuable consideration, lists for sale, sells, at auction or otherwise, exchanges, buys or rents, or offers or attempts to negotiate a sale, at auction or otherwise, exchange, purchase or rental of an estate or interest in real estate, or collects or offers or attempts to collect rent for the use of real estate, or negotiates, or offers or attempts to negotiate, a loan secured or to be secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance upon or transfer of real estate. In the sale of lots pursuant to the provisions of Article 9-A of the Real Property Law, the term "real estate broker" shall also include any person, partnership, association or corporation employed by or on behalf of the owner or owners of lots or other parcels of real estate, at a stated salary, or upon a commission, or upon a salary and commission, or otherwise, to sell such real estate, or any parts thereof, in lots or other parcels, and who shall sell or exchange, or offer or attempt or agree to negotiate the sale or exchange, of any such lot or parcel of real estate. REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON A person employed by a licensed real estate broker to list for sale, sell or offer for sale, at auction or otherwise, to buy or offer to buy or negotiate the purchase or sale or exchange of real estate, or to negotiate a loan on real estate, or to lease or rent or offer to lease, rent or place for rent any real estate, or who collects or offers or attempts to collect rent for the use of real estate for or on behalf of such real estate broker. SOURCE OF INCOME Payments from any lawful occupation or employment, as well as other payments, including, but not limited to, public assistance, public assistance security agreements, supplemental security income, pensions, annuities, unemployment benefits, government subsidies such as Section 8 and other housing subsidies and domestic support. TOWN The Town of Brighton in the County of Monroe and State of New York. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE Includes those practices specified in this chapter.
Section 163-3 of Brighton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 163 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the town's anti-discrimination rules governing housing and real estate. Key terms such as "housing accommodation," "discrimination," "source of income," and "unlawful discriminatory practice" are given specific legal meanings that apply throughout the chapter. Notably, "source of income" is defined broadly to include not only wages but also public assistance, Section 8 vouchers, and other housing subsidies, which shapes how the rest of the chapter's protections operate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in the Town of Brighton should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in § 163-3, because these terms govern the scope of the chapter's anti-discrimination requirements. The definition of "source of income" is particularly broad, encompassing government subsidies like Section 8, meaning that compliant operators generally do not screen out applicants solely on the basis of how their rent payments are funded. Understanding how "housing accommodation" and "discrimination" are defined in this section helps operators recognize which properties and conduct fall within the chapter's reach.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 163-3 of Brighton's ch. 163 defines the terms that underpin the town's fair housing protections, including a broad definition of "source of income" that covers public assistance, Section 8 vouchers, and similar subsidies. Tenants who believe they have been treated differently because of how they pay rent may find that this definition is relevant to whether a landlord's conduct qualifies as an "unlawful discriminatory practice" under the chapter. Those who want to understand how these definitions apply to their situation can consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full chapter alongside § 163-3.
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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