Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-10
Occupancy classification of buildings
Operative Text
Buildings for the purpose of this Part 1 shall be classified in respect to their occupancies as follows: A. One- and two-family dwellings. Buildings containing one or two dwelling units with less than four lodgers residing with a family in either one of such dwelling units. B. Multiple dwellings. Buildings containing one or two dwelling units with more than four lodgers with a family in either one of such dwelling units. C. Multiple dwellings. (1) Buildings containing three or more dwelling units. (2) Apartment houses and apartment hotels. (3) Lodging houses. (4) Buildings with sleeping accommodations for more than five persons, used or occupied as a club, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, or for similar uses. (5) Garden apartments. D. Accessory structures. Garages, carports and similar type structures on residential premises.
Section 186-10 of Massena's Code of Ordinances establishes a classification system that sorts residential buildings into distinct occupancy categories based on the number of dwelling units, the number of lodgers, and the type of use. A one- or two-family dwelling is distinguished from a multiple dwelling largely by whether the number of lodgers living with a family exceeds four. The classification also covers larger structures such as apartment houses, lodging houses, dormitories, and accessory structures like garages and carports on residential premises.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 186 § 186-10, operators of residential properties in Massena are generally expected to know which occupancy classification applies to each building they manage, since different classifications can trigger different regulatory requirements under Part 1 of the code. A property with one or two dwelling units becomes a multiple dwelling under this section if more than four lodgers reside with a family in either unit, so tracking lodger counts is a routine part of compliance. Owners of structures such as garden apartments, lodging houses, or buildings used as dormitories or club houses should confirm that their classification is accurately reflected in any permits or registrations on file.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-10 of Massena's Code of Ordinances affects tenants because the occupancy classification of a building can determine which housing standards and protections apply to the place where they live. Tenants in buildings with three or more units, apartment houses, lodging houses, or similar structures fall under the multiple-dwelling classification, which may carry additional code requirements. Tenants who believe their building is misclassified or that code requirements tied to a classification are not being met may raise the issue with the local code enforcement office or consult a tenant-rights organization 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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