Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 90-11
Terms not defined
Operative Text
Where terms are not defined under the provisions of this chapter or under the provisions of the building code, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context herein may imply.
Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-11 establishes a default rule for interpreting undefined terms within the chapter and the building code. When a word or phrase lacks a formal definition in either of those sources, it is read according to its ordinary, commonly understood meaning or the meaning that the surrounding context suggests. This provision ensures that gaps in defined terminology do not create interpretive dead ends.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 90 § 90-11, property owners and managers should be aware that any term not explicitly defined in the chapter or the building code will be interpreted by its plain, everyday meaning. Compliant operators generally apply common-sense, standard-usage definitions when reading regulatory requirements that use undefined words. Keeping documentation that reflects ordinary-language interpretations of ambiguous terms can support consistent compliance practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 90-11 of Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 means that tenants can expect undefined words in housing regulations to be read according to their everyday meanings rather than left unresolved. This can be relevant when a dispute turns on how a particular term in the code is understood. Tenants who believe a term is being interpreted in an unusual or unreasonable way may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review how the word is commonly used in similar regulatory contexts.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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