Hamburg Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 109 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 109-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the meanings indicated: ADVERTISING Printing, circulating, placing or publishing or causing to be placed or published any written statement with respect to the availability of a dwelling for sale or rental. DISABILITY A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record of such an impairment or a condition regarded by others as such an impairment. HOUSING UNIT Any building, structure, or portion thereof which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of one or more persons maintaining a common household. MARITAL STATUS Single, married, divorced, separated or widowed. MILITARY STATUS A person's participation in the military service of the United States or the military service of the state including, but not limited to, the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia, the New York Guard, and such additional forces as may be created by the federal or state government as authorized by law. SEXUAL ORIENTATION Heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, asexuality, whether actual or perceived, as well as a person's gender identity, self-image, appearance or expression. SOURCE OF INCOME Payments from any lawful occupation or employment, as well as other payments, including, but not limited to, public assistance, public assistance security agreements, supplemental security income, pensions, annuities, unemployment benefits, government subsidies such as Section 8, or other housing subsidies.
Section 109-2 of Hamburg Town Code Chapter 109 establishes the official definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout the chapter's fair-housing rules. The definitions cover a broad range of protected characteristics and housing-related concepts, including disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, and source of income, as well as what counts as a housing unit or advertising. These definitions set the boundaries for which people, properties, and communications fall within the chapter's protections and requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 109-2, property owners and managers should be aware that the chapter's definitions are intentionally broad — for example, 'advertising' covers any written statement about a dwelling's availability, and 'source of income' explicitly includes Section 8 vouchers and other government subsidies. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently across all aspects of their rental or sales operations, from how listings are worded to how applicants are screened. Familiarity with each defined term in § 109-2 helps ensure that policies and communications align with the full scope of the chapter's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 109-2 establishes the definitions that determine who and what is protected under Hamburg Town's fair-housing ordinance, Chapter 109. Tenants and applicants should know that the definition of 'source of income' explicitly includes housing subsidies like Section 8, and 'disability' covers not only documented impairments but also conditions merely perceived as such by others. Those who believe a landlord's conduct may conflict with these definitions can consult a local tenant-rights organization or a fair-housing agency to understand what options may be available.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation