Stillwater, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 93 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 93-2
Definitions; word usage
Operative Text
A. General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or phrases herein shall be interpreted as follows, except where the context clearly indicates the contrary: words used in the singular include the plural, words used in the present tense include the future tense, the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual, and the word "shall" is always mandatory. B. Specific words or phrases. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows: DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE An act that is unlawful under §§ 93-3 , 93-4 and 93-5 . DWELLING Any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereof of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. FAMILY Includes a single individual. IN RENT Includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees; trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and fiduciaries.
Section 93-2 of Stillwater, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 93 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter's fair housing rules. Key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "person," and "in rent" are defined broadly — for example, a single individual qualifies as a "family," and "person" encompasses corporations and other legal entities, not just natural persons. These definitions shape how every other provision in the chapter is read and applied, and the word "shall" throughout the chapter carries mandatory force.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Stillwater should be aware that under § 93-2, the definitions governing this chapter are intentionally broad. A "dwelling" covers a wide range of residential structures and even vacant land offered for residential development, and "in rent" encompasses leasing, subleasing, and any other consideration-based grant of occupancy rights. Compliant operators generally apply these expansive definitions when evaluating whether their properties and rental activities fall within the scope of Chapter 93's fair housing requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 93-2 establishes that the protections in Chapter 93 apply broadly — a single person living alone qualifies as a "family," and the definition of "dwelling" covers a wide variety of residential structures. This means the fair housing rules that follow in §§ 93-3, 93-4, and 93-5 can apply to a wide range of housing situations and rental arrangements in Stillwater. Tenants who believe a housing practice may be covered by this chapter can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to better understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation