Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-76
Duties of Department
Operative Text
It shall be the duty of the Department to: A. Suggest amendments to this Part 3 as are necessary to bring it up-to-date, when local needs dictate. B. Cause inspections to be made of premises within the scope of this Part 3 . C. Cause an investigation of complaints of alleged violations of this Part 3 . D. Develop a system of records, inspection forms, form letters and controls for properly carrying out departmental activities. E. Issue written orders for the elimination of conditions in violation of this Part 3 , and, where appropriate, order the cessation of an unlawful use or nuisance or the vacation, demolition or repair of premises found dangerous or unsafe, and to state in the violation order a reasonable time limit for compliance herewith and the time within which an appeal may be made. F. Initiate techniques that will encourage and assist owners to voluntarily bring their property up to the standards of this Part 3 . G. Request the Municipal Attorney to take appropriate legal action upon failure to comply with a violation notice or notices. H. Require independent inspections and tests of equipment and systems used in connection with premises. I. Cooperate with other public and private agencies engaged in the study and improvement of housing and environmental conditions. J. Carry out any additional activities necessary to administer and achieve compliance with this Part 3 .
Section 245-76 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances outlines the broad administrative responsibilities assigned to the Department overseeing housing and premises standards under Part 3. The Department is charged with conducting inspections, investigating complaints, issuing written violation orders with compliance deadlines and appeal windows, and coordinating with the Municipal Attorney when violations go unaddressed. The provision also empowers the Department to require independent equipment tests, suggest code updates as local needs evolve, and take any additional steps necessary to achieve compliance with Part 3.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-76, the Department has authority to inspect properties, issue written orders identifying violations, and set reasonable deadlines for corrective action. Operators who receive a violation order should be aware that the order will specify both a compliance timeframe and the window during which an appeal may be filed. Owners who proactively engage with the Department's voluntary compliance initiatives—expressly encouraged by § 245-76(F)—generally demonstrate the kind of good-faith cooperation that the provision is designed to foster.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-76 establishes that the Department has a formal duty to investigate complaints of alleged violations of Part 3, meaning tenants have a recognized channel for raising housing concerns directly with the Department. If a landlord fails to comply with a violation notice, § 245-76(G) directs the Department to refer the matter to the Municipal Attorney for legal action, providing an additional layer of enforcement beyond the initial order. Tenants who believe conditions on their premises fall short of Part 3 standards may consider contacting the Department to initiate a complaint, 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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