Clarkstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-9
Occupancy classification
Operative Text
Buildings, for the purpose of this chapter, shall be classified in respect to their occupancies as follows: A. One- and two-family dwellings. Buildings containing one or two dwelling units with fewer than four lodgers residing with a family in either one of such dwelling units. B. Multiple dwellings. (1) Buildings containing one or two dwelling units with more than four lodgers with a family in either one of such dwelling units. (2) Buildings containing three or more dwelling units. (3) Apartment houses and apartment hotels. (4) Lodging houses. (5) Buildings with sleeping accommodations for more than five persons, used or occupied as a club, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house or for similar uses. (6) Garden apartments. C. Accessory structures, Garages, carports and similar-type structures on residential premises.
Section 157-9 of Clarkstown's Code of Ordinances establishes how residential buildings are sorted into occupancy categories for the purposes of Chapter 157. A building falls into the 'one- and two-family dwelling' class if it contains one or two units and houses fewer than four lodgers living with a family in either unit. Buildings with more lodgers, three or more units, apartment houses, lodging houses, dormitories, fraternity or sorority houses, and garden apartments are classified as 'multiple dwellings.' Accessory structures such as garages and carports on residential premises form their own separate category.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 157-9, the occupancy classification assigned to a property determines which regulatory requirements of Chapter 157 apply to it. Operators of buildings that house more than four lodgers alongside a family, or that contain three or more dwelling units, generally ensure their properties are treated and maintained as multiple dwellings rather than single-family structures. Keeping accurate records of the number of units and lodgers helps confirm that the correct classification is applied and that all corresponding code obligations are met.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 157-9 sets the framework that determines which protections and standards apply to the building where a tenant lives, based on how that building is classified. Tenants in structures that meet the definition of a 'multiple dwelling' under this provision may be entitled to a different set of code-based protections than those in a one- or two-family home. Residents who believe their building has been misclassified can contact the Town of Clarkstown's code enforcement office or consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand what options may be available.
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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