Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 34 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 34-2
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 this chapter. 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. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associates, 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 34-2 of Castleton-on-Hudson's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 34, establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "familial status," "person," and "to rent" are given broad meanings — for example, "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just individuals, and "familial status" extends protections to pregnant individuals and those seeking legal custody of a minor. The word "shall" throughout the chapter carries mandatory force, meaning any obligation stated with that word is not discretionary. These definitions set the interpretive framework for all fair housing rights and obligations that follow in Chapter 34.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Castleton-on-Hudson Code Chapter 34 should be aware that § 34-2 defines the scope of who and what is covered broadly. The term "dwelling" reaches any residential building or portion thereof, and "person" includes corporate landlords and partnerships — meaning entities, not just individual owners, bear obligations under the chapter. Compliant operators familiarize themselves with these definitions because terms like "familial status" and "to rent" (which includes subleases and other arrangements granting occupancy rights) determine whether a given transaction or policy falls 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 34-2 of Chapter 34 establishes definitions that broadly protect a wide range of residents and housing seekers in Castleton-on-Hudson. The expansive definition of "familial status" means that households with children under 18, pregnant individuals, and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor are all covered by the chapter's anti-discrimination provisions. Tenants who believe a housing practice may have violated Chapter 34 can explore options such as raising the violation through local municipal channels, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or reviewing how these definitions apply to their situation with a housing advocate.
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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