Ossining, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 162-21
Search warrants
Operative Text
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an owner to consent to an inspection of a building or structure in order to determine compliance with applicable Code provisions. However, nor shall this chapter be construed as relieving the obligation of an owner to apply for and secure where applicable a building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate of occupancy, or operating permit for the premises. When applying for such permits or certificates requiring inspections, an owner shall have the right to decline to consent to the inspection. In such instance, the Village may, without further notice to the applicant, apply for a search warrant to conduct the inspection. However, if the premises are occupied, notice to the occupant or other person with apparent right of possession in accordance with the procedure outlined in this chapter shall be required.
Under Ossining, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 § 162-21, property owners are not required to voluntarily consent to inspections aimed at verifying code compliance, but this protection does not eliminate the underlying obligation to obtain required permits, certificates of occupancy, or operating permits. When an owner declines to consent to an inspection tied to a permit or certificate application, the Village of Ossining is authorized to seek a search warrant to carry out that inspection without giving the applicant additional advance notice. If the property is occupied at the time, however, the Village must still provide notice to the occupant or anyone else with an apparent right of possession, following the procedures set out elsewhere in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 162 § 162-21 generally remain responsible for applying for and obtaining all required building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, and operating permits, even though they retain the right to decline consent to an associated inspection. A compliant operator understands that declining consent does not halt the permitting process — the Village may proceed by obtaining a search warrant, bypassing any further notice to the permit applicant. Keeping accurate records of all permit applications and understanding the inspection procedures outlined in ch. 162 helps operators navigate this process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 162-21 of Ossining's Code of Ordinances provides an important protection for occupants: even when a property owner declines to consent to an inspection and the Village seeks a search warrant, the Village is still required to give notice to any occupant or person with an apparent right of possession before conducting that inspection. This means tenants have a recognized interest in being informed before an inspection takes place on occupied premises. Tenants who believe proper notice was not provided under ch. 162 § 162-21 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full procedures outlined in ch. 162 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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