Goshen, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 59-2
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply to the following terms: DISCRIMINATION Any difference in treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, including segregation, except that it shall not be discrimination for any religious or denominational institution to devote its facilities, exclusively or primarily, to or for members of its own religion or denomination or to give preference to such members or to make such selection as is calculated by such institution to promote the religious principles for which it is established or maintained. DWELLING Includes this term as it is defined in § 4, Subdivision 4, of the Multiple Dwelling Law of the State of New York. FAMILY Includes this term as it is defined in § 4, Subdivision 5, of the Multiple Dwelling Law of the State of New York. HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Includes any building, structure or portion thereof which is used or occupied, as the home, residence or sleeping place of one or more human beings. OWNER-OCCUPIED Includes physical possession by the owner and/or his family or technical possession by retention of title and nonreliquishment of possession to someone else by rental or otherwise. TEMPORARY PERIOD A period not to exceed one year where an owner relinquishes possession of his housing accommodation for a period not exceeding one year with intent to return to said housing accommodations within said one-year period, or less, as a permanent domicile.
Section 59-2 of Goshen, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 59 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the chapter's fair-housing rules. It defines key terms—including 'discrimination,' 'dwelling,' 'housing accommodation,' 'owner-occupied,' and 'temporary period'—that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. Notably, the definition of discrimination covers differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, or ancestry, while carving out a limited exception for religious or denominational institutions acting in furtherance of their religious mission.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Goshen should be familiar with the defined terms in § 59-2, because those definitions set the boundaries for what conduct is regulated throughout Chapter 59. The 'owner-occupied' and 'temporary period' definitions are particularly relevant for owners who temporarily vacate their units, as the code distinguishes between a genuine intent to return within one year and a permanent relinquishment of possession. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to apply the chapter's requirements consistently across their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 59-2 of Goshen's Chapter 59 defines 'discrimination' to include any difference in treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, or ancestry—meaning tenants who believe they have experienced such differential treatment in a housing accommodation may have grounds to raise a concern under this chapter. The definition of 'housing accommodation' is broad, covering any building, structure, or portion thereof used as a home, residence, or sleeping place, so a wide range of living situations may fall within the chapter's protections. Tenants seeking to understand whether their situation is covered can consult a tenant-rights organization or review how the defined terms in § 59-2 apply to the rest of Chapter 59.
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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