Fort Edward, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 47 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 47-7
Definitions and word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this article, 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 article, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: AGGRIEVED PERSON The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(i), as amended. COMPLAINANT The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(j), as amended. CONCILIATION The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(m), as amended. CONCILIATION AGREEMENT The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(m), as amended. DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(f), and 24 CFR, Part 100, as amended, and shall include an act that is unlawful under § 3604, 3605, 3606 or 3617 of Chapter 45 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended. DWELLING The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(b), as amended. FAMILIAL STATUS The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(k), as amended. FAMILY The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 10602(c), as amended. HANDICAP The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(h), as amended. PERSON The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(d), as amended. PREVAILING PARTY The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 1988, as amended. RESPONDENT The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(n), as amended. TO RENT The meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C.A. § 3602(e), as amended.
Section 47-7 of Fort Edward's Code of Ordinances (Chapter 47) establishes the interpretive framework and defined terms that govern the rest of the article on housing practices. Rather than creating its own independent definitions, the provision anchors key terms—such as "discriminatory housing practice," "dwelling," "familial status," and "handicap"—to their meanings under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 3602) and related federal regulations. General rules of construction also apply, including that "shall" is always mandatory and that singular words encompass the plural.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Fort Edward should be aware that § 47-7 ties the definitions used throughout Chapter 47 directly to federal Fair Housing Act standards, meaning the scope of terms like "discriminatory housing practice" and "dwelling" is determined by federal law as it is amended over time. A compliant operator generally stays current with any updates to the referenced federal statutes and regulations, since the definitions in § 47-7 evolve alongside those federal sources. Familiarity with the full list of defined terms in this section helps operators understand the precise scope of obligations and prohibitions set out elsewhere in the article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 47-7 establishes that the rights and protections described throughout Chapter 47 are grounded in the same definitions used under the federal Fair Housing Act, which means tenants in Fort Edward can look to federal fair housing standards to understand terms like "aggrieved person," "familial status," and "handicap" as they appear in local complaints or proceedings. Because "shall" is always mandatory under this section, obligations stated elsewhere in the article are not discretionary. Tenants who believe a defined term has been misapplied in a housing matter may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the referenced federal provisions for guidance on available 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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