West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-9
Changes to, or use of, premises for illegal residential occupancies or illegal over-occupancies
Operative Text
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter or otherwise to make any change or improvement to any real property within the Village of West Haverstraw where: (1) Such change, alteration or conversion results in a residential use, or a number of residential dwelling units on the property, that is not permitted in the zoning district in which the property is located; or (2) The change, alteration or conversion is effectuated without all required approvals and/or permits having first been obtained; or (3) The change, alteration or conversion is otherwise in violation of the Village Zoning Law or the provisions of the New York State Building or Fire Codes. B. It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy or, as owner, landlord or property manager, to rent or otherwise to permit or suffer the occupancy of any property within the Village where the number of dwelling units located in or on such property exceeds the number of dwelling units lawfully permitted in or on such property.
West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 § 186-9 prohibits two broad categories of conduct. First, no one may construct, alter, or otherwise modify real property in the Village if the result is a residential use or number of dwelling units not permitted by zoning, if required permits or approvals were never obtained, or if the work violates the Village Zoning Law or New York State Building or Fire Codes. Second, no one may occupy—or, as an owner, landlord, or property manager, allow the occupancy of—any property where the actual number of dwelling units exceeds the number that is lawfully permitted on that property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 186-9, compliant property owners and managers in West Haverstraw generally ensure that any construction, renovation, or conversion project is reviewed against applicable zoning requirements before work begins, and that all required Village permits and approvals are secured in advance. Operators also verify that the number of dwelling units actively rented or occupied on a property never exceeds what is lawfully authorized for that parcel under the Village Zoning Law. Maintaining current records of permitted unit counts and permit histories is a practice commonly associated with ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-9 reflects that tenants have an interest in knowing whether the unit they occupy is a lawfully permitted dwelling—an unpermitted or over-occupancy situation can affect habitability, safety, and legal protections. Tenants who have reason to believe their unit may not be lawfully permitted can contact the Village of West Haverstraw's building or code enforcement office to inquire about the property's permit status. Tenant-rights organizations in Rockland County can also help residents understand how a potential violation of § 186-9 might relate to their housing situation and what general avenues exist for raising concerns.
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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