Cedarhurst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 196 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 196-17
Presumptive evidence of violations of chapter
Operative Text
A. It shall be presumed that a single or one-family dwelling unit is occupied by more than one family if it contains more than one kitchen or if two or more of the following features are found to exist on the premises by the Code Enforcement Officer authorized to enforce or investigate violations of this chapter or any laws, codes, rules and regulations of the State of New York: (1) More than one mailbox, mail slot or post office address; (2) More than one doorbell or doorway on the same side of the dwelling unit; (3) More than one gas meter; (4) More than one electric meter; (5) More than one connecting line for cable television service, internet service or telecommunications service; (6) More than one antenna, dish antenna or related receiving equipment; (7) Separate entrances for segregated parts of the dwelling unit, including but not limited to bedrooms; (8) Partitions or internal doors with locks which may serve to bar access between segregated portions of the dwelling unit, including but not limited to bedrooms; (9) Separate written or oral leases or rental arrangements, payments or agreements for portions of the dwelling unit among its owners and occupants, or among a tenant and its occupants; (10) The inability of any occupant to have lawful access to all parts of the dwelling unit; or (11) A separate entrance leading directly to a separated living space containing a bathroom, bedroom or other sleeping accommodation. B. All of the foregoing may be rebutted by evidence presented to the Code Enforcement Officer or any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 196-17 of Cedarhurst's Code of Ordinances establishes a set of physical and documentary indicators that a Code Enforcement Officer may use to presume that a single-family dwelling is actually being occupied by more than one family. The presence of more than one kitchen alone, or any two of eleven listed features—such as multiple meters, separate entrances, or independent lease arrangements—is enough to trigger that presumption. Importantly, the rule is rebuttable: a property owner or occupant may present evidence to the Code Enforcement Officer or a court to counter the presumption.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of single-family dwellings in Cedarhurst should be aware that under § 196-17, a Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to draw a presumption of illegal multi-family occupancy based on observable conditions on the property. Compliant operators generally ensure that their single-family units do not accumulate combinations of features listed in the ordinance—such as multiple utility meters, separate lockable interior partitions, or independent lease arrangements for portions of the unit. When a presumption is raised, the ordinance does allow rebuttal through evidence presented to the officer or a court, so maintaining clear documentation of lawful occupancy and utility arrangements is a practice commonly associated with compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Cedarhurst Code § 196-17, tenants living in a single-family dwelling should understand that certain features of their living arrangement—such as a separate entrance, a locked interior partition, or an independent lease for part of the unit—may be used by a Code Enforcement Officer as grounds to presume the dwelling is illegally occupied by more than one family. This presumption can have consequences for the occupancy status of the unit, and tenants who believe a presumption has been incorrectly applied may present rebuttal evidence to the Code Enforcement Officer or a court of competent jurisdiction. Tenants facing enforcement action under this section may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Cedarhurst's housing ordinances 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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