Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-24
Prohibited uses of space
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited to use for sleeping purposes any kitchen, nonhabitable space or public space. B. It shall be prohibited in lodging houses to use for dining purposes any communal kitchen containing less than 100 square feet of floor area or any nonhabitable space or public space other than dining space. C. It shall be prohibited to prepare or eat meals in lodging units. D. It shall be prohibited to use any cellar space as habitable space.
Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-24 establishes several restrictions on how residential spaces may be used. Kitchens, nonhabitable spaces, public spaces, and cellars cannot be used for sleeping, and cellar space is entirely off-limits as habitable space. In lodging houses specifically, dining is restricted to designated dining spaces or communal kitchens of at least 100 square feet, and individual lodging units may not be used for preparing or eating meals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties and lodging houses in Watervliet should ensure that unit configurations comply with § 175-24's use restrictions. Compliant operators do not rent or advertise any kitchen, cellar, nonhabitable space, or public space as sleeping quarters, and they ensure that lodging house dining arrangements meet the minimum 100-square-foot kitchen threshold. Lodging house operators also maintain clear policies preventing meal preparation or consumption within individual lodging units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 175-24 of the Watervliet Code of Ordinances, tenants have a right to occupy spaces that meet lawful habitability standards — meaning a landlord cannot lawfully rent a cellar, kitchen, or other nonhabitable space as a sleeping area. If a tenant believes their unit or sleeping arrangement violates these use restrictions, they may consider contacting the local code enforcement office or a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Documenting the physical characteristics of the space, such as square footage and designated use, can be relevant when raising a potential violation.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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