West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 171 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 171-2
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: COMMERCIAL PREMISES A building, structure or land used for any purpose other than for single-family or multifamily purposes, including premises used for retail purposes, business purposes or industrial purposes. MULTIFAMILY PREMISES Any building which is used as a home or residence, other than as a single-family residence, together with any garage or other accessory building and the lot upon which such building or buildings are constructed. OCCUPANT Any person, including but not limited to an owner living, sleeping or otherwise occupying premises regulated hereunder. OWNER Any legally responsible person who, alone or jointly or severally with others, shall have legal title to any premises regulated hereunder, or who has charge, care or control of any such regulated premises as owner or agent or representative of an owner, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof. PERSON Includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, club, association or legal representative, acting individually or jointly. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE A building which is occupied exclusively as the home or residence of a single family, together with any garage or other accessory building and the lot upon which such building or buildings are constructed.
Section 171-2 of West Haverstraw's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 171. It draws clear distinctions among commercial premises, multifamily premises, and single-family residences, and it broadly defines who qualifies as an "owner" or "occupant" under the chapter's regulations. These definitions determine which properties and individuals fall within the chapter's scope, shaping how all other provisions in Chapter 171 are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 171-2, the definition of "owner" extends beyond holders of legal title to include anyone with charge, care, or control of regulated premises — meaning property managers and agents may carry regulatory responsibilities alongside the titleholder. Operators of buildings used as residences for more than one family should be aware that their properties qualify as "multifamily premises" under this section, bringing them within the full reach of Chapter 171. Compliant operators generally maintain clear documentation of their ownership or agency status so that accountability under the chapter is unambiguous.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 171-2 defines "occupant" broadly to include any person living, sleeping, or otherwise occupying regulated premises — meaning tenants are expressly covered by Chapter 171's protections and obligations regardless of whether they hold formal title. Understanding whether your building qualifies as a "multifamily premises" or "single-family residence" under this section can clarify which rules apply to your living situation. Tenants seeking to understand how these definitions affect their rights may find it helpful to review the full text of Chapter 171 or consult a local tenant-rights organization familiar with West Haverstraw's ordinances.
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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