Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-180
Habitable space below grade
Operative Text
A. Every dwelling unit and rooming unit located in a basement shall meet all the requirements of this Part 3 . B. Floors and outside walls of such dwelling units and rooming units shall be water- and dampproofed. C. All pipes, ducts and other obstructions that interfere with the normal use of the room shall be at least 6 1/2 feet above the floor level. D. The sills of all required windows shall be located no more than three feet above the floor level. E. The exterior grade abutting any wall shall be at least six inches below any window for a distance of at least five feet from such wall.
Section 245-180 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum livability standards for dwelling and rooming units situated in basements. Such units must satisfy all general housing requirements under Part 3, and their floors and exterior walls must be waterproofed and dampproofed. Overhead obstructions like pipes and ducts must clear at least 6½ feet above the floor, windows must be positioned so their sills are no more than three feet from the floor, and the ground outside any wall must sit at least six inches below any window opening for a span of five feet.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of basement dwelling or rooming units in Sleepy Hollow must ensure those units comply with the full suite of Part 3 standards as well as the specific requirements of § 245-180. Compliant operators typically document waterproofing and dampproofing treatments on floors and exterior walls, verify that all pipes, ducts, and overhead obstructions maintain the required 6½-foot clearance, and confirm that window sill heights and exterior grade elevations meet the prescribed measurements before occupancy. Routine inspections and maintenance records help demonstrate ongoing compliance with these structural and drainage requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in basement units in Sleepy Hollow are entitled to conditions that meet § 245-180, including proper waterproofing, adequate overhead clearance, and correctly positioned windows that allow light and ventilation. If a basement unit shows signs of dampness, low-hanging obstructions, or windows that appear improperly situated, a tenant may raise these conditions as potential code violations. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the local code enforcement or building department, documenting conditions with photographs and written records, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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