Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 420 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 420-5
Vacant building or vacant storefront plan
Operative Text
A. The property owner shall submit a vacant building or vacant storefront plan which plan shall be approved by the Building Inspector, upon registration of the vacant building or storefront. The plan shall comply with applicable state and village codes. B. The plan shall indicate if the vacant building or storefront is to be rehabilitated or reoccupied, remain vacant or be demolished. (1) If the vacant building or storefront is to be rehabilitated or reoccupied, the plan shall include a date by which all relevant applications are to be submitted, and the anticipated future use and an estimated date for rehabilitation or re-occupancy. The rehabilitation or re-occupancy plan shall not exceed 365 days unless upon a written request an extension is granted by the Building Inspector. Extensions shall not exceed 180 days beyond the original plan deadline. Additionally, an escrow and or bond shall be provided to cover time periods where reoccupation and rehabilitation are not actively occurring. (2) If the building or storefront is to remain vacant, the plan shall include a statement from the property owner explaining why the building or storefront is to remain vacant, anticipated time the vacant status of the building or storefront will continue, security and maintenance procedures during the vacancy. Additionally, an indemnification and hold harmless agreement and an escrow and or bond shall be provided. (3) If the building is to be demolished the plan submitted to the Building Department shall include a date by which a Demolition Permit application is to be submitted, a date by which the demolition is to be completed, an affidavit from the property owner assuming all costs associated with the demolition, an indemnification and hold harmless agreement in favor of the Village and an escrow and or bond. (4) For a vacant storefront or other vacant building, the property owner shall indicate if they intend on making the property available for temporary pop-up retail uses. C. All vacant building or vacant storefront plans shall establish an escrow and or bond with the Building Department. The escrow shall be for maintenance of the vacant building or storefront in the event the property owner fails to comply with a compliance order. The amount of the escrow, to be determined by the Building Inspector, shall not exceed $15,000 annually. D. The property owner or, where applicable, the property manager shall notify the Building Department of any proposed changes to the vacant building or vacant storefront plan within 30 days of the proposed change. Proposed changes to the plan shall be in writing and shall be approved by the Building Inspector. E. In addition to the requirements of § 450-74A(2) any change in ownership of the vacant building or vacant storefront shall promptly be reported to the Building Department. The new property owner shall register the vacant building or vacant storefront within 30 days of the transfer. The new property owner shall comply with the approved plan.
Section 420-5 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances requires that any owner of a vacant building or storefront submit a formal plan to the Building Inspector upon registration of the vacancy. The plan must specify one of three intended outcomes — rehabilitation or reoccupancy, continued vacancy, or demolition — and must include supporting documentation, timelines, and financial assurances such as an escrow or bond. Rehabilitation plans are capped at 365 days with a possible 180-day extension, and any change in ownership triggers a new registration requirement within 30 days. An escrow account, not to exceed $15,000 annually, must be established to cover maintenance costs if the owner fails to comply with a compliance order.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of vacant buildings or storefronts in Sleepy Hollow must act promptly upon registration under § 420-5 by submitting a written plan to the Building Inspector that clearly identifies the property's intended path — rehabilitation, continued vacancy, or demolition. Each path carries its own documentation requirements, including timelines, affidavits, indemnification agreements, and an escrow or bond established with the Building Department, capped at $15,000 annually. Compliant operators also track any proposed plan changes and submit written notice to the Building Department within 30 days, and ensure that any new owner is informed of the registration and plan-compliance obligations that transfer with the property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While § 420-5 primarily governs property owner obligations, tenants and community members in Sleepy Hollow may find this provision relevant when a neighboring or formerly occupied building sits vacant, as it establishes enforceable standards for how that vacancy must be managed. The Building Inspector is the designated authority for approving plans and issuing compliance orders under this section, meaning concerns about an unmanaged or unsafe vacant property can generally be directed to the Sleepy Hollow Building Department. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocates can help individuals understand how vacancy registration and maintenance requirements may intersect with broader housing conditions in their area.
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.
Effective Timeline
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