Johnstown Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 43 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 43-1
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DWELLING UNIT An apartment, mobile home, or other living quarters designed for independent occupancy by one or more persons. GARBAGE Food waste and other discarded items. This term shall not include any properly maintained composting area. MULTIFAMILY DWELLING Any residence including three or more separate dwelling units. PERSON Includes an individual, firm, partnership or corporation. PROPERTY OWNER The title owner of any real property or the owner as last listed on the real property assessment records of the Town of Johnstown. REFUSE All solid wastes, including garbage, rubbish and ashes. RUBBISH Solid wastes consisting of both combustible and noncombustible wastes, such as paper, wrappings, cigarettes, cardboard, tin cans, yard clippings, leaves, wood, glass, bedding, crockery and similar materials. TOWN The Town of Johnstown.
Section 43-1 of Johnstown Town Code Chapter 43 establishes the definitions that apply throughout the chapter's waste and property regulations. Key terms such as "dwelling unit," "multifamily dwelling," "refuse," "garbage," and "rubbish" are each given specific meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. Notably, a properly maintained composting area is explicitly excluded from the definition of garbage, and a multifamily dwelling is defined as any residence with three or more separate units.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Johnstown Town Code Chapter 43 should familiarize themselves with the definitions in § 43-1, as these terms set the scope of obligations throughout the chapter. For example, understanding the distinction between "garbage," "rubbish," and "refuse" can clarify which waste-handling requirements apply to a given property. Operators of buildings with three or more units should note that their properties fall under the "multifamily dwelling" classification, which may trigger additional requirements elsewhere in the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 43-1 of Johnstown Town Code Chapter 43 defines the foundational terms that shape tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities throughout the chapter. Tenants living in buildings with three or more units should be aware that their residence qualifies as a "multifamily dwelling" under § 43-1, which may affect what standards apply to their building. Tenants who believe a landlord is mischaracterizing their living situation or waste obligations may find it useful to reference these definitions when raising concerns with local code enforcement or a tenant-rights organization.
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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