Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-18
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Section 245-18 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes baseline safety standards for stairways and elevated areas within residential properties. It requires that stairs—whether inside or outside a building—be wide enough to safely accommodate the people who use them, measured against generally accepted standards. It also mandates that railings be installed wherever stairs, balconies, landings, or stairwells have open or exposed sides.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-18, compliant property operators ensure that all interior and exterior stairways meet width standards consistent with generally accepted building and safety norms for the number of occupants served. They also install and maintain railings along any open sections of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells throughout the property. Routine inspections of these features help confirm that hardware remains secure and that no structural changes have inadvertently created a gap in railing coverage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-18 gives occupants a basis to expect that stairs in their building are adequately wide and that open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells are equipped with railings. If these conditions are not met, tenants may document the deficiency and report it to the appropriate Sleepy Hollow municipal code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord does not address a structural safety concern covered by ch. 245.
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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