Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-70
Word usage
Operative Text
A. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular; the masculine gender includes the feminine and the feminine the masculine. B. As used in this Part 3 , "shall" is always to be construed as mandatory.
Section 245-70 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes basic rules of interpretation for Part 3 of Chapter 245. It specifies that singular and plural word forms are interchangeable, that masculine and feminine pronouns cover both genders, and that the word 'shall' carries mandatory—not discretionary—force throughout Part 3. These conventions ensure that the language of the ordinance is applied consistently regardless of how a particular sentence happens to be worded.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Part 3 of Chapter 245 should understand that § 245-70 removes ambiguity about how the ordinance's text is read: any obligation phrased with 'shall' is treated as a firm requirement, not a suggestion. A compliant operator generally reads every 'shall' provision in Part 3 as non-optional and does not treat singular or gendered phrasing as a basis for claiming a rule does not apply. Keeping this interpretive baseline in mind helps when reviewing any specific duty or restriction elsewhere in Part 3.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-70 is relevant to tenants because it means that whenever Part 3 of Chapter 245 says a landlord 'shall' do something, that obligation is mandatory—not permissive. If a landlord argues that a provision's wording (such as singular versus plural, or a gendered pronoun) somehow limits who the rule covers, § 245-70 forecloses that reading. Tenants who believe a mandatory obligation under Part 3 has not been met may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review complaint procedures available through local housing authorities.
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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