Yonkers, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 58 § 58-17
Surface drainage
Operative Text
No person shall direct or divert the flow of any surface drainage in or on any court, yard, area or the premises of any habitable building or on the property of others.
Section 58-17 of the Yonkers Code of Ordinances prohibits anyone from intentionally redirecting or channeling surface water runoff within or around the grounds of a habitable building, or onto neighboring properties. The rule applies to courts, yards, and other areas associated with residential premises. Its purpose is to prevent deliberate manipulation of drainage patterns that could cause water damage or hazardous conditions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Yonkers Code ch. 58 § 58-17, compliant property operators generally avoid grading, landscaping, or installing drainage features in ways that redirect surface runoff toward neighboring lots or into building areas where it was not previously flowing. Routine property maintenance and improvement projects—such as adding pavement, retaining walls, or drainage channels—are typically reviewed with this prohibition in mind. Operators often document the pre-existing drainage patterns on their property before undertaking any site work.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 58-17 of the Yonkers Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if a landlord or neighboring property owner has altered drainage in a way that directs surface water onto the habitable premises. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the City of Yonkers code enforcement or housing inspection office, which has authority to investigate potential violations. Tenant-rights organizations in Westchester County can also help residents understand what documentation or steps are generally available when drainage issues affect habitability.
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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