Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 147-19
Occupancy classification of buildings
Operative Text
Buildings, for the purpose of this chapter, shall be classified in respect to their occupancies as follows: A. One- and two-family dwellings. B. Buildings containing one (1) or two (2) dwelling units with less than four (4) lodgers residing with a family in either one of such dwelling units. C. Multifamily dwellings. D. Buildings containing one (1) or two (2) dwelling units with more than four (4) lodgers with a family in either one of such dwelling units. E. Buildings containing three (3) or more dwelling units. F. Apartment houses and apartment hotels. G. Lodging houses. H. Buildings with sleeping accommodations for more than five (5) persons used or occupied as a club, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house or for similar uses. I. Garden apartments. J. Accessory structures. K. Garages, carports and similar-type structures on residential premises.
Section 147-19 of Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 147 establishes a classification system that sorts residential and accessory buildings into distinct occupancy categories based on factors such as the number of dwelling units, the number of lodgers residing with a family, and the type of use (e.g., apartment house, lodging house, dormitory, or garage). Each category — ranging from single-family homes to garden apartments and accessory structures — carries its own regulatory implications under the chapter. The classification determines which rules and standards apply to a given building throughout the rest of ch. 147.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 147-19, property owners and managers in Spring Valley are generally expected to identify the correct occupancy classification for each building they operate, since that classification governs which requirements apply under ch. 147. Operators of buildings that mix uses — for example, a two-family dwelling where a family also takes in lodgers — should pay close attention to whether the number of lodgers crosses the threshold that shifts the building into a different category. Maintaining accurate records of unit counts, lodger arrangements, and building use helps ensure that the applicable standards are consistently met.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 147-19 of ch. 147 affects tenants because the occupancy classification assigned to their building determines which protections and standards apply to their living situation under Spring Valley's housing code. Tenants who believe their building has been misclassified — for instance, a multifamily dwelling treated as a lower-scrutiny category — may raise that concern with the appropriate local housing or code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Spring Valley's ordinances can help residents understand how § 147-19 classifications connect to broader habitability and occupancy rights.
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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