Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 420 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 420-6
Maintenance of vacant buildings and storefronts
Operative Text
A. The property owner shall keep the vacant building or storefront secured and maintained at all times in accordance with the Fire Code and Property Maintenance Code of New York State and the Code of the Village of Sleepy Hollow. Failure to properly maintain and secure the vacant building or storefront may result in revocation of the approved plan and subject the property owner to all applicable penalties, including those incurred pursuant to § 420-11 . B. The property owner shall remove all combustible waste and refuse, lock, barricade, and guard continuously or otherwise secure all windows, doors and other openings to prevent entry by unauthorized persons. C. All required sprinkler, standpipe and fire alarm systems and all component parts or other provisions as required by law shall be maintained in operating condition. D. The floor area of a vacant building or storefront shall be lighted by no less than one 25-watt or equivalent energy efficient light providing a minimum of 200 lumens. E. All signs and awnings and associated hardware shall be removed after the building or storefront is vacant for more than 60 days unless otherwise directed by the Building Department personnel. F. A sign shall be posted in the window of the vacant storefront or at the entry to the vacant building. The sign shall include contact information (name, phone number, email address and office address) for the property owner. The property owner may substitute their contact information for valid information belonging to an applicable property manager or leasing agent. This sign shall not exceed 1.5 square feet per window.
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 420 § 420-6 establishes a set of ongoing physical and administrative standards that apply to vacant buildings and storefronts within the village. The rule requires that such properties be kept secured against unauthorized entry, free of combustible waste, adequately lit, and equipped with functioning fire-safety systems. Signs, awnings, and associated hardware must come down after 60 days of vacancy, and a contact-information sign must be posted so that responsible parties can be reached. Failure to meet these standards can lead to revocation of an approved vacancy plan and exposure to additional penalties under § 420-11.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of vacant properties in Sleepy Hollow should treat § 420-6 as a checklist of continuous obligations rather than a one-time task. A compliant property owner generally keeps all openings locked or barricaded, removes combustible debris on an ongoing basis, verifies that sprinkler, standpipe, and fire-alarm systems remain operational, and ensures at least one 25-watt or equivalent light (minimum 200 lumens) illuminates the floor area. Within 60 days of vacancy, signs and awnings are typically removed unless the Building Department directs otherwise, and a contact-information sign of no more than 1.5 square feet per window is posted at the entry or in the storefront window. Letting any of these conditions lapse risks revocation of the approved plan and penalties under § 420-11.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, neighbors, or community members, § 420-6 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances establishes clear public-safety expectations for vacant buildings and storefronts nearby. If a vacant property appears unsecured, poorly lit, cluttered with debris, or missing required contact-information signage, those conditions may represent a code violation that can be reported to the Village of Sleepy Hollow's Building Department. Individuals who believe a vacant property is out of compliance may also consult a tenant-rights organization or local housing advocacy group to understand what reporting or follow-up options are generally available under the village code.
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
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation