Oneida, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 53 § 53-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings and interpretations indicated, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: DISCRIMINATE Extend differential treatment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap or marital status or family status, and including discrimination because of the race, color, creed, national origin, sex, handicap or marital status of friends and associates, or familial status. DWELLING Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed and intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families or any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion thereof. FAIR HOUSING OFFICER The Director of Community Development in the city. FAMILIAL STATUS A. Includes one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (1) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (2) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. B. The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. FAMILY Includes a single individual. HANDICAP Includes a bodily or mental disablement which may be the result of injury, illness or congenital condition for which reasonable accommodation can be made. HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Includes any building, structure or portion thereof which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied as the home, residence or sleeping place of one or more human beings. LEASE Includes sublease, assignment and rental and includes any contract to do any of the foregoing. LENDING INSTITUTION Any bank, insurance company, savings and loan association, other person in the business of obtaining, arranging or negotiating loans or guaranties as agent or broker, and any person in the business of buying or selling loans or instruments for the payment of money which are secured by title to or a security interest in real property, but shall not include any religious institution or organization nor any charitable or educational organization operated, supervised or controlled by a religious institution or organization. MARITAL STATUS Includes the state of being married, single, divorced, separated or widowed and the usual conditions associated therewith, including pregnancy or parenthood. OWNER Includes any person, or any one of a number of persons, in whom is vested all or any part of the legal or equitable ownership, dominion or title to any real property.
Section 53-2 of Oneida, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 53 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the city's fair housing rules. It defines key terms — including 'discriminate,' 'dwelling,' 'familial status,' 'handicap,' and 'marital status' — that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. These definitions are intentionally broad; for example, 'family' includes a single individual, and 'discriminate' covers differential treatment based on the protected characteristics of a person's friends and associates, not just the person themselves. The meanings set here control how rights and obligations throughout Chapter 53 are understood.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Oneida should be familiar with the definitions established in § 53-2, because those definitions determine the scope of conduct regulated throughout Chapter 53. The term 'owner' is defined broadly to include anyone holding any part of legal or equitable title, meaning co-owners and partial interest holders are each covered. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently — recognizing, for instance, that 'familial status' protections extend to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor, and that 'handicap' encompasses conditions for which reasonable accommodation can be made.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 53-2 of Oneida's Chapter 53 defines the protected classes and key terms that underpin the city's fair housing protections, which means these definitions directly shape what rights residents can assert. Tenants should note that protections against discrimination extend to characteristics such as marital status, familial status, and handicap as those terms are specifically defined here — and that differential treatment based on the protected traits of one's friends or associates is also covered. Individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination under Chapter 53 may consider contacting the Fair Housing Officer (defined in § 53-2 as the Director of Community Development) or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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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