Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 155 § 155-1
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND A fund held and maintained by the City of Peekskill that shall be used for property improvement assistance for existing residential and mixed residential/commercial properties in Peekskill, for program administrative costs, and for other actions taken for the furtherance of improving and increasing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households City-wide. AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT A rental dwelling unit that is priced to be affordable to qualified household whose income is not less than 40% of AMI and not greater than 60% of AMI and for which the annual housing cost of the unit, defined as rent plus any tenant-paid utilities or fees, for the approved household does not exceed 30% of the qualified household's income. AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) Median income for the County of Westchester as published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and adjusted by household size. SUBSTANTIAL RENOVATION As defined in the NYS Building Code, when the work (renovation) area exceeds 50% of the building area. WORKFORCE HOUSING UNIT A. A rental dwelling unit that is priced to be affordable to a qualified household whose income is not less than 61% of AMI and not greater than 80% of AMI and for which the annual housing cost of the unit, defined as rent plus any tenant-paid utilities or fees, does not exceed 30% of the household's income. B. A for-sale dwelling unit that is priced to be affordable to a qualified household whose income is not less than 61% of AMI and not greater than 80% of the AMI and for which the annual housing cost of a unit, including common charges, principal, interest, real estate taxes, insurance and amenities charges if any, does not exceed 33% of the qualified household's income.
Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 155 § 155-1 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Chapter 155, Peekskill's affordable and workforce housing ordinance. It defines key terms such as 'Affordable Housing Unit' (rental units priced for households earning 40–60% of Westchester County's Area Median Income, with total housing costs capped at 30% of income) and 'Workforce Housing Unit' (units for households earning 61–80% AMI, with cost caps of 30% for rentals and 33% for for-sale units). The 'Affordable Housing Fund' is defined as a City-held fund directed toward property improvements and expanding affordable housing citywide, while 'Substantial Renovation' tracks the New York State Building Code threshold of work exceeding 50% of building area. These definitions set the interpretive framework for all other requirements in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Peekskill should familiarize themselves with the definitions in ch. 155 § 155-1, as these terms govern how units are classified and what obligations may apply throughout the chapter. A compliant operator generally ensures that any unit designated as an Affordable Housing Unit or Workforce Housing Unit is priced so that rent plus tenant-paid utilities and fees does not exceed the applicable income-based cost caps—30% of income for affordable units and 30% or 33% for workforce units depending on rental or for-sale status. Operators undertaking renovation projects should also note that the 'Substantial Renovation' threshold—work exceeding 50% of building area as defined by the NYS Building Code—may trigger additional chapter requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Peekskill benefit from understanding the definitions in ch. 155 § 155-1, which establish what qualifies as an Affordable Housing Unit or Workforce Housing Unit and set limits on how much of a qualified household's income can be consumed by rent and utilities. If a tenant believes a unit marketed or designated under these categories does not meet the cost-cap standards defined in this section, that concern may be relevant to raising a complaint or inquiry with the City of Peekskill or a local tenant-rights organization. Consulting a tenant advocacy group familiar with Westchester County housing law can help clarify how these definitions apply to a particular housing situation.
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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