Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 310 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 310-3
Exterior maintenance
Operative Text
A. Surface and subsurface water shall be drained to prevent damage to buildings and structures and to prevent development of stagnant water. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain inlets, stormwater sewers and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be provided and utilized. In no case shall the water from any rain leader be allowed to flow over the sidewalk or adjoining property. B. Fences and retaining walls shall be maintained in a safe condition. C. In the case of multifamily premises and commercial premises, steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall, snow shall be plowed or shoveled from all steps, walks, driveways and parking areas used or intended to be used by tenants, occupants, customers, invitees or other members of the public. D. No snow removed from driveways, walks or other areas shall be deposited upon the public streets or highways so as to interfere with the use of such streets or highways or with the use of any other premises. E. In the case of multifamily premises and commercial premises, all driveways and parking spaces provided shall be covered with broken stone, gravel, concrete or asphalt paving, which shall be kept in good repair, and such driveways and parking spaces shall be regularly cleaned to avoid accumulation of dirt, paper and other debris. On commercial premises, all parking areas shall be paved with concrete or asphalt, and all parking spaces shall be clearly marked with painted white or yellow lines. F. Heavy undergrowth and accumulation of plant growth which is unsightly, noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated or removed. Hedges and shrubs shall be kept pruned or trimmed. Grass shall not be permitted to exceed six inches. G. The owner shall keep all and every part of the premises which he owns and the steps, walks, driveways and parking areas located in the front, rear or side of said premises, from the building line to the nearest public street line, in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and free from litter, debris, paper, dirt, garbage and junk and, except for public improvements, in good repair. H. In the case of multifamily premises and commercial premises, all areas within 20 feet of a public highway shall either be used as driveways and parking areas, which areas shall be in compliance with Subsection E of this section, or shall be planted with grass, shrubbery, flowers, trees or other suitable plantings so that they will not be unsightly in appearance. I. Dead or incurably diseased trees shall be taken down and the diseased portion thereof removed and destroyed. Trees shall be kept pruned, and dead wood one inch in diameter shall be removed. J. Notwithstanding anything contained in Subsection G of this section, any property owner who shall fail to maintain the walkways, sidewalks, driveways and parking areas located in the front, rear or side of such premises, from the building line to the nearest public street line, in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and free from litter, debris, paper, dirt, garbage, junk and in good repair shall be liable to any party for injuries sustained as a result thereof.
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 310 § 310-3 establishes a broad set of exterior maintenance standards for properties within the jurisdiction. It requires that water drainage systems be functional and not discharge onto sidewalks or neighboring properties, that fences and retaining walls remain structurally safe, and that outdoor surfaces like steps, walks, and parking areas be kept passable and in good repair. For multifamily and commercial properties, additional requirements apply, including snow removal within 24 hours of a storm's end, paved and marked parking areas, and landscaping that prevents unsightly or hazardous overgrowth. Property owners may also face civil liability to injured parties if walkways and adjacent areas are not kept clean, safe, and in good repair under Subsection J.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 310 § 310-3, compliant property owners generally ensure that drainage infrastructure—gutters, catch basins, and related systems—is functional and that no water discharges across sidewalks or onto adjacent parcels. For multifamily properties, operators typically establish a snow-removal routine that clears all tenant-accessible steps, walks, driveways, and parking areas within 24 hours after snowfall ends, and they keep paved surfaces in good repair with parking spaces clearly marked. Owners also routinely manage landscaping by trimming hedges, keeping grass under six inches, and removing dead or diseased trees, recognizing that Subsection J creates a direct liability exposure to injured parties when exterior walkways and adjacent areas are not maintained in a clean and safe condition.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 310-3 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to expect that the exterior areas of their multifamily building—including steps, walkways, driveways, and parking spaces—will be kept safe, clean, and passable under normal conditions. The provision specifically requires snow to be cleared from tenant-accessible areas within 24 hours of a storm ending, and Subsection J indicates that a property owner who fails to maintain these areas may be liable to anyone injured as a result. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may consider documenting conditions, contacting the local code enforcement office in Sleepy Hollow, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization to understand 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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