Southampton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 270-15
Presumptive evidence of multifamily occupancy
Operative Text
A. It shall be presumed that a single- or one-family dwelling unit is occupied by more than one family if any two or more of the following features are found to exist on the premises: (1) More than one mailbox, mail slot or post office address; (2) More than one gas meter; (3) More than one electric meter annexed to the exterior of the premises; (4) More than one doorbell or doorway on the same side of the dwelling unit; (5) More than one connecting line for cable television service; (6) More than one antenna, satellite dish, or related receiving equipment; (7) There are three or more motor vehicles registered to the dwelling and each vehicle owner has a different surname; (8) There are more than three waste receptacles, cans, containers, bags or boxes containing waste from the premises placed for pickup at least twice during a weekly garbage pickup area; (9) There are separate entrances for segregated parts of the dwelling; (10) There are partitions or internal doors which may serve to bar access between segregated portions of the dwelling, including but not limited to bedrooms; (11) There exists a separate written or oral lease or rental arrangement, payment or agreement for portions of the dwelling among the owner and/or occupants and/or persons in possession thereof; (12) Any occupant or person in possession thereof does not have unimpeded and/or lawful access to all parts of the dwelling unit; (13) Two or more kitchens, each containing one or more of the following: a range, oven, hotplate, microwave or other similar device customarily used for cooking or preparation of food and/or a refrigerator; (14) There are bedrooms that are separately locked. B. If any two or more of the features set forth in Subsection A(1) through (13) are found to exist on the premises by the enforcement authority or Town personnel engaged in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, a verified statement will be requested from the owner of the dwelling unit by the enforcement authority that the dwelling unit is in compliance with all of the provisions of the Code of the Town of Southampton, the laws and sanitary and housing regulations of the County of Suffolk and the laws of the State of New York. If the owner fails to submit such verified statement, in writing, to the enforcement authority within 10 days of such request, such shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
Section 270-15 of Southampton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 establishes a list of physical and operational indicators that, when two or more are present at a single- or one-family dwelling, create a legal presumption that the property is being used as a multifamily residence. These indicators range from multiple mailboxes or utility meters to separate leasing arrangements or locked bedrooms. When enforcement personnel observe at least two such indicators, the property owner may be required to submit a written verified statement confirming the dwelling's compliance with applicable local, county, and state housing codes within ten days, and failure to do so is itself treated as a violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of single-family properties in Southampton should be aware that under § 270-15, the simultaneous presence of two or more listed features—such as multiple electric meters, separate entrances, or independent lease arrangements—can trigger a presumption of unlawful multifamily occupancy. Compliant operators generally ensure that their properties do not exhibit combinations of these indicators unless the dwelling is properly permitted for multifamily use. When the enforcement authority requests a verified written statement of compliance under § 270-15(B), responding within the ten-day window is essential to avoid an automatic violation finding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 270-15, tenants living in a dwelling that has been flagged for presumptive multifamily occupancy should understand that the enforcement process is directed at the property owner, who bears the obligation to demonstrate compliance with Southampton's housing code. If a tenant believes their living conditions or housing arrangement may be affected by an enforcement action under this provision, tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help explain what rights may apply. Tenants may also contact the Town of Southampton's enforcement authority directly to understand the status of any compliance review involving their dwelling.
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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