Cazenovia, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 86 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 86-2
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 §§ 86-3 , 86-4 and 86-5 . 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 86-2 of Cazenovia, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 86 establishes the definitions that govern how the rest of the fair housing chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as "dwelling," "familial status," "handicap," and "person" are given specific meanings that are broader than everyday usage — for example, "family" includes a single individual, and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for the anti-discrimination rules that follow in §§ 86-3, 86-4, and 86-5.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Cazenovia, N.Y., Code ch. 86 § 86-2 should be aware that the chapter's definitions are intentionally broad. For instance, "to rent" covers not just direct leases but also subleases and other arrangements granting occupancy rights, and "familial status" extends protections to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to apply the substantive requirements of the chapter consistently across all housing transactions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 86-2 of Cazenovia's fair housing ordinance defines the terms that underpin tenant protections throughout Chapter 86. Notably, "familial status" covers households with children under 18, pregnant individuals, and those seeking legal custody of a minor, while "handicap" encompasses a wide range of physical and mental impairments — including being regarded as having one. Tenants who believe a housing practice may violate these definitions can review the related prohibitions in §§ 86-3, 86-4, and 86-5, and may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available complaint or 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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