Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-90
Dangerous structures
Operative Text
A. If all or part of any structure or the equipment for operation, including, among others, the heating plant, plumbing, electric, wiring, stairways, elevators and fire protection equipment, shall be found by the Building Inspector to have significant defects hereinafter described, it shall be deemed a dangerous structure. B. A dangerous structure shall include: (1) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, difficult to heat, structurally unsafe or vermin-infested that it creates a hazard to the safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public or which contain lead-based paint that is dangerous or likely to become dangerous to the health of small children; (2) One which lacks illumination, ventilation or sanitary facilities adequate to protect the safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public; (3) One which, because of its general condition or location, is unsanitary or otherwise dangerous to the safety or welfare to the occupants or to the public; (4) One which is so overcrowded with occupants that it constitutes a public nuisance or is a health hazard to its occupants; (5) One which is in a state of dilapidation, deterioration or decay; faulty construction such that the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building or the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation or other similar cause is likely to partially or completely collapse the structure; (6) One in which the exterior and interior walls or other vertical members lean, buckle or twist to such an extent as to endanger life, limb and property; (7) One which is being used in such a manner and condition to constitute a public nuisance; (8) One which is vacant, open to trespass, unoccupied and an attractive nuisance to anyone on or near the premises, thereby endangering life, health and property; or (9) One which has been damaged by fire, wind or other causes so as to no longer provide shelter from the elements and has become or threatens to become dangerous to life, safety or the general health and welfare of anyone on or near the premises.
Section 245-90 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances establishes the legal definition of a 'dangerous structure' within the village. A building or any of its systems — including heating, plumbing, electrical wiring, stairways, elevators, and fire protection equipment — may be classified as dangerous when the Building Inspector finds it meets one or more of nine specified conditions, ranging from structural instability and vermin infestation to overcrowding, fire damage, or the presence of hazardous lead-based paint. Once a structure is deemed dangerous under this provision, it carries regulatory consequences for those responsible for its condition and for those who occupy or are near it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Sleepy Hollow should be aware that under § 245-90, the Building Inspector holds authority to classify a property as a dangerous structure based on a broad range of physical and operational deficiencies. Compliant operators generally maintain all building systems — including heating, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection equipment — in safe working order, address deterioration or structural concerns promptly, and ensure that occupancy levels, ventilation, and sanitation meet applicable standards. Keeping documentation of routine inspections and repairs can help demonstrate that a property does not meet any of the nine dangerous-structure criteria enumerated in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 245-90 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances, tenants have a basis to raise concerns when a building or any of its systems exhibits conditions that fall within the provision's definition of a dangerous structure, such as structural instability, inadequate heating, vermin infestation, or lead-based paint hazards. Tenants may report such conditions to the Sleepy Hollow Building Inspector, who is the designated authority for making dangerous-structure determinations under this section. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Westchester County housing law can help residents understand the range of options available when a property may qualify as dangerous under this provision.
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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