Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-13
Habitable space
Operative Text
A. Size. (1) Habitable space shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches over 50% of the floor area; and the floor area where the ceiling height is less than five feet shall not be considered in computing floor area. (2) A dwelling unit shall contain at least one habitable room having a minimum of 150 square feet of floor area and a minimum horizontal dimension of 10 feet. (3) Kitchens shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of floor area, and other habitable spaces shall contain not less than 80 square feet of floor area and shall have a minimum horizontal dimension of seven feet. (4) Every alcove less than 60 square feet in area, except a cooking space or foyer, shall be deemed to be part of a habitable room. The area of the opening in the dividing partition between the alcove and the room shall be at least 80% of the wall area of such partition, measured on the alcove side, but not less than 40 square feet. The depth of such alcove shall not exceed half its width. The floor area of the alcove shall be added to the floor area of the room in determining light and ventilation requirements for the room. An alcove with an area of 60 square feet or more, but less than the required area of a habitable room, shall be separately lighted and ventilated as required for habitable space. B. Basements. Basements shall not be deemed habitable space where required windows are located only on one wall and the depth of the basement space exceeds four times its clear height.
Section 245-13 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum physical standards for spaces classified as 'habitable' within a dwelling. These standards cover ceiling heights, floor area minimums for different room types, how alcoves are counted or treated, and conditions under which basements may not qualify as habitable space. A room or area that fails to meet these thresholds cannot legally be counted or used as habitable space under the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-13, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room meets the ceiling height, floor area, and horizontal dimension requirements before renting or representing a space as livable. Kitchens, general habitable rooms, and alcoves each carry distinct size thresholds that property managers typically verify during construction, renovation, or unit turnover. Basement spaces require particular attention, as § 245-13(B) disqualifies certain configurations—specifically those where windows appear on only one wall and depth exceeds four times the clear height—from being counted as habitable.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-13 sets the floor, literally and figuratively, for what Sleepy Hollow considers a livable space—meaning a landlord cannot lawfully rent a room or basement unit that falls below these size and ceiling standards as habitable space. If a rented space appears to fall short of the minimums described in § 245-13, tenants may have grounds to raise that condition as a code violation with the appropriate local housing or building authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Sleepy Hollow's local ordinances can help residents understand what documentation or complaint processes may be available to them.
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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