Riverhead, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 263 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 263-18
Presumptive evidence of violations
Operative Text
A. It shall be presumed that a single or one-family dwelling unit is occupied by more than one family if any two or more of the following features are found to exist on the premises by the Code Enforcement Official authorized to enforce or investigate violations of Chapter 263 of the Code of the Town of Riverhead 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, except as may be permitted by the Building Department Administrator or his designee as set forth in Chapter 217 , Part 1 , § 217-6M(4) , of the Code of the Town of Riverhead; (5) More than one connecting line for cable television 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 owner(s) and occupants; (10) The inability of any occupant to have lawful access to all parts of the dwelling unit; or (11) Two or more kitchens, each containing one or more of the following: a range, oven, hotplate, microwave or other similar device customarily used for cooking or the preparation of food, refrigerator and/or a sink. B. If any two or more of the features set forth in Subsection A(1) through (11) above are found to exist on the premises by the Code Enforcement Official, a verified statement will be requested from the owner of the building or dwelling unit by the Code Enforcement Official that the building or dwelling unit is in compliance with all of the provisions of the Code of the Town of Riverhead, the laws and sanitary and housing regulations of the County of Suffolk and the laws of the State of New York. If the owner fails to submit such verified statement in writing to the Code Enforcement Official within 10 days of such request, such shall be deemed a violation of this chapter. C. All of the foregoing may be rebutted by evidence presented to the Code Enforcement Official or any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 263-18 of Riverhead, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 263 establishes a list of physical and administrative indicators that, when two or more are present simultaneously, create a legal presumption that a single-family dwelling is being used as a multi-family residence. These indicators include things like multiple mailboxes, meters, kitchens, or separate lease arrangements. The presumption is not absolute — it can be rebutted by evidence presented to the Code Enforcement Official or a court. If an owner is asked to submit a verified compliance statement and fails to do so within 10 days, that failure itself constitutes a separate violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 263-18, a Code Enforcement Official inspecting a single-family property will look for combinations of features — such as multiple utility meters, separate entrances with locks, or distinct rental agreements — that together trigger a presumption of illegal multi-family occupancy. Operators of single-family properties in Riverhead generally ensure that such indicators are not present in combinations of two or more, and they respond promptly and in writing to any compliance verification request within the 10-day window specified by the provision. When a verified statement is requested, documenting the lawful configuration of the property and retaining records of that submission supports a clear compliance record. Evidence rebutting the presumption may be presented to the Code Enforcement Official or a court under § 263-18(C).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 263-18 of Chapter 263 sets out conditions under which a dwelling may be investigated for unpermitted multi-family use, which can affect the legality of occupancy arrangements within a single-family home. Tenants who believe their housing situation involves unlawful subdivision or occupancy conditions may find it relevant that the presumption established by this provision can be rebutted through evidence presented to the Code Enforcement Official or a court of competent jurisdiction. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Suffolk County and Town of Riverhead housing regulations can help individuals understand how this provision may relate to their living situation. Complaints or inquiries about code enforcement in Riverhead are generally directed to the Town's Code Enforcement office.
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
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