Johnstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 150 § 150-3
Definitions
Operative Text
A. General. 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, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. 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 §§ 150-4 , 150-5 , 150-6 . DWELLING Any building, structure, or portion 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 Includes 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 Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Section 150-3 of Johnstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 150 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 broad meanings — for example, a single individual qualifies as a 'family,' and 'person' encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape the scope of the fair housing protections and prohibited practices set out in the sections that follow.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 150-3 of Johnstown's Chapter 150, the definitions section signals that the chapter's reach is intentionally broad. Property owners and managers should be aware that the term 'dwelling' covers a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for residential development, and that 'to rent' encompasses leasing, subleasing, and other arrangements granting occupancy rights. Compliant operators generally apply these expansive definitions when evaluating whether any transaction or practice falls within the chapter's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 150-3 of Johnstown's Chapter 150 defines the terms that determine who and what is protected under the local fair housing rules. Because 'family' includes a single individual and 'person' covers a wide range of entities, tenants in a variety of living situations and arrangements may fall within the chapter's protections. Tenants who believe a housing practice may violate Chapter 150 can review the definitions in § 150-3 alongside the prohibited-practice sections to understand the framework, and may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization for further guidance.
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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