Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-11
Words and terms not defined
Operative Text
The words "approved," "adequate," "properly installed" and "properly connected" shall refer to those standards in the Multiple Residence Law , local Building Code and any other enactment of law applicable to a building or structure under inspection by the Department and all rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this code. Words not specifically defined in this code shall have the common definition set forth in a standard dictionary.
Section 54-11 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances establishes how certain undefined or broadly worded terms are to be interpreted when applied to residential buildings. Terms like "approved," "adequate," "properly installed," and "properly connected" are measured against standards found in the Multiple Residence Law, the local Building Code, and any other applicable laws or regulations. Any other words not specifically defined in the code default to their standard dictionary meanings, ensuring a consistent interpretive baseline.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-11, property owners and managers should understand that compliance benchmarks for terms like "approved" or "properly installed" are drawn from the Multiple Residence Law, the local Building Code, and related regulations—not from informal or self-defined standards. When the Department inspects a building or structure, these external legal standards serve as the measuring stick for whether conditions meet code. Operators generally maintain familiarity with those referenced standards to ensure that installations, connections, and conditions in their properties align with what inspectors will apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-11 clarifies that when inspectors evaluate conditions in a residential building, terms like "adequate" or "properly connected" are judged against the Multiple Residence Law, the local Building Code, and other applicable laws—not vague or subjective criteria. This means tenants can look to those same external standards to understand what conditions a landlord is expected to maintain. Tenants who believe conditions in their unit fall short of those standards may consider raising the issue with the Department conducting inspections, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a violation under § 54-11's interpretive framework applies to their 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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