Belle Terre, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 123 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 123-15
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 Chief Building Inspector or Village 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 Chief Building Inspector that the dwelling unit is in compliance with all of the provisions of the Code of the Village of Belle Terre, 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 Chief Building Inspector within 10 days of such request, such shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
Belle Terre, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 123 § 123-15 establishes a list of physical and operational indicators — such as multiple mailboxes, meters, kitchens, or separate lease arrangements — that, when two or more are present simultaneously, create a legal presumption that a single-family dwelling is being used as a multifamily residence. This presumption can trigger an official inquiry by the Chief Building Inspector or other Village enforcement personnel. If the property owner does not respond in writing within 10 days to a request for a verified compliance statement, that failure itself constitutes a violation of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of single-family dwellings in Belle Terre should be aware that under § 123-15, the simultaneous presence of as few as two of the listed indicators — ranging from extra utility meters to separately locked bedrooms — is enough to trigger a presumption of unlawful multifamily occupancy. A compliant owner generally ensures that the property does not display combinations of these features and, if contacted by the Chief Building Inspector, responds with a written verified statement of compliance within the 10-day window specified in Subsection B. Maintaining clear records of occupancy arrangements, utility configurations, and access conditions can support a timely and accurate response to any such inquiry.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Belle Terre, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 123 § 123-15, tenants living in a single-family dwelling may find that certain physical conditions of their home — such as separate entrances, multiple kitchens, or individual lease arrangements — are treated by Village officials as evidence of multifamily occupancy. If enforcement action is initiated, the provision places the compliance obligation on the property owner, not the occupants, though the outcome of any enforcement proceeding could affect living arrangements. Tenants who have questions about how this provision may relate to their housing situation can consult a tenant-rights organization or seek general guidance from a housing attorney familiar with Suffolk County and Village of Belle Terre regulations.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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