Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-14
Light and ventilation
Operative Text
A. Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combinations thereof, that face directly on legal open spaces at least six inches above the adjoining finished grade, or are above a roof. The amount of light shall be equivalent to that transmitted through clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space. B. Habitable space shall be provided with artificial light. C. Habitable space shall be provided with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows or other openings in exterior walls that face legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or above a roof, or through openable parts of skylights, providing total clear ventilation area equal to not less than 5% of the total floor area of each habitable space. D. Habitable space may also be provided with mechanical ventilation, in addition to natural ventilation.
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 § 245-14 establishes minimum standards for light and ventilation in all habitable spaces. Every such space must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar glazed openings totaling at least 10% of the floor area, and must also have artificial lighting available. Natural ventilation must be provided through openable windows, skylights, or exterior-wall openings amounting to at least 5% of the floor area, and mechanical ventilation may supplement—but does not replace—that natural ventilation requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Sleepy Hollow generally ensure that every habitable room meets the glazing and ventilation thresholds set out in ch. 245 § 245-14 before a unit is occupied or re-rented. Compliant properties typically document window and skylight measurements to confirm that glass area reaches 10% of floor area for light and that openable ventilation area reaches 5% of floor area. Where mechanical ventilation systems are installed, they are treated as a supplement to—not a substitute for—the required natural ventilation openings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 § 245-14, tenants in habitable spaces are entitled to adequate natural light, artificial light, and natural ventilation meeting specific area-based minimums. If a room appears to lack sufficient windows, openable ventilation, or working artificial lighting, that condition may constitute a code violation that can be reported to the local building or housing enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Sleepy Hollow's housing code can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what complaint processes 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation