Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-176
Alcoves
Operative Text
A. An alcove with an area of less than 60 square feet shall be deemed part of the habitable room it abuts, provided that: (1) The dividing partition between the alcove and the room has an opening of at least 80% of the wall area of the partition, measured on the alcove side. (2) Such wall area is at least 40 square feet. (3) The depth of such alcove is not more than half its width. B. The floor area of the alcove shall be added to the floor area of the habitable room for the purpose of complying with the light and ventilation requirements under §§ 245-182 through 245-185 of this Part 3 . C. An alcove with an area of 60 square feet or more, but less than 80 square feet, shall be deemed part of the habitable room that it abuts, provided that it meets the requirements of Subsection A above and is separately lighted and ventilated as required for habitable space under this Part 3 .
Section 245-176 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes when an alcove is treated as part of the adjacent habitable room rather than as a separate space. A small alcove under 60 square feet qualifies as part of the adjoining room if its dividing partition is mostly open, the wall area meets a minimum size, and the alcove is not too deep relative to its width. Larger alcoves between 60 and 80 square feet can also be counted as part of the adjoining room, but only if they additionally meet independent lighting and ventilation standards for habitable space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-176, operators classifying an alcove as part of an adjoining habitable room must verify that the partition opening, wall area, and depth-to-width ratio all meet the specified thresholds. For alcoves in the 60–80 square foot range, compliant operators also ensure that the space is separately lighted and ventilated in accordance with the habitable-space standards referenced in §§ 245-182 through 245-185. Keeping documentation of measurements and construction details helps demonstrate compliance during inspections or permitting reviews.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-176 affects how the usable floor area of your unit is calculated, which in turn influences whether the space meets light and ventilation requirements under Sleepy Hollow's housing code. If an alcove in your unit does not meet the partition, size, or depth criteria set out in § 245-176, it may not legally count as part of the adjoining habitable room, potentially affecting the unit's overall habitability classification. Tenants who have concerns about whether their unit's alcove spaces are properly classified can raise the issue with local housing or building officials, or consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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