Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 216 § 216-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CODE ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL This term shall be defined in the same manner it is in Chapter 215 of the Jamestown City Code. COMMON AREAS The areas in a rental housing building that are accessible to all occupants of the property, including, but not limited to, lobbies, laundry rooms, recreation areas, common kitchens, hallways, stairs, courtyards, light wells, garbage areas, boiler rooms, storage rooms, basements, roof areas, or parking garages or areas. DIRECTOR The Director of Development or his or her designee. ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF RENTAL HOUSING Renting or offering to rent a rental housing unit. OWNER A person, persons, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other entity holding fee title to the subject real property. RENTAL HOUSING UNIT A single unit providing living facilities for one or more persons that has permanent provisions for living, sleeping, and sanitation and is rented or available for rent to tenants.
Section 216-2 of Jamestown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 216 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's rental housing regulations. Key terms defined include 'Owner' (any individual or entity holding fee title to a property), 'Rental Housing Unit' (a self-contained living space with sleeping and sanitation facilities that is rented or available for rent), and 'Common Areas' (shared spaces such as lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, and parking areas accessible to all occupants). These definitions set the scope of who and what is covered by the chapter's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Jamestown should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in § 216-2, as these definitions determine whether a given property or space falls under Chapter 216's obligations. The definition of 'Owner' is broad, encompassing corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and individuals holding fee title, meaning that the entity on the deed is generally the party responsible for compliance. Understanding what qualifies as a 'Rental Housing Unit' and which spaces count as 'Common Areas' helps operators identify which parts of their property are subject to the chapter's standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants in Jamestown, § 216-2 clarifies which spaces and parties are covered by Chapter 216's rental housing rules. The definition of 'Common Areas' explicitly includes lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, courtyards, and similar shared spaces, meaning those areas fall within the chapter's regulatory reach alongside individual units. Tenants who believe conditions in their unit or in common areas may implicate Chapter 216 can consult local tenant-rights organizations or the City's code enforcement personnel, as defined by reference to Chapter 215, for guidance on available options.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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