Fort Plain, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 96 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 96-3
Definitions
Operative Text
A. 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, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. 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 §§ 96-4 , 96-5 and 96-6 . DWELLING Any building, structure or portions 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. FAMILY A single individual. 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 To lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 96-3 of Fort Plain, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 96 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'family,' 'person,' and 'to rent' are given specific meanings that may differ from everyday usage—for example, 'family' is defined broadly to include even a single individual, and 'person' encompasses a wide range of legal entities beyond natural persons. These definitions set the interpretive framework for the fair housing rules that follow in subsequent sections.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Fort Plain should be aware that the definitions in § 96-3 shape how obligations and prohibitions throughout Chapter 96 apply to their properties. Because 'dwelling' covers any building or structure—or even vacant land—offered for residential use, and 'person' includes corporations and other legal entities, the chapter's requirements extend broadly across different ownership structures. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with these defined terms before reviewing the substantive rules in §§ 96-4, 96-5, and 96-6.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Fort Plain benefit from knowing that § 96-3 defines terms in ways that can expand who and what is protected under Chapter 96. For instance, the broad definition of 'family' as including a single individual means that solo renters are not excluded from the chapter's protections. Those who believe a defined term is being misapplied to their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full text of Chapter 96 to understand how these definitions interact with the substantive provisions in §§ 96-4, 96-5, and 96-6.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation