Islip, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-1
Definitions
Operative Text
HOUSE TRAILER — For the purpose of this ordinance, is any vehicle so designed, constructed, reconstructed or added to by means of portable accessories in such manner as will permit the occupancy thereof as a "temporary dwelling or sleeping place" for one (1) or more persons, and having no foundation other than wheels, jacks or skirtings so arranged as to be integral with or portable by said "house trailer." TEMPORARY DWELLING OR SLEEPING PLACE As used herein, means the occupancy by any person or persons of a "house trailer" for a period not in excess of one hundred eighty (180) days within a twelve-month period, such twelve-month period to begin when the "house trailer" was first occupied in the Town of Islip. A change in ownership or occupant shall not affect the one-hundred-eighty-day period in any way. Any "house trailer" which shall have been occupied more than one hundred eighty (180) days in any twelve-month period in the Town of Islip shall no longer be considered a "house trailer" but shall be a dwelling and must conform with the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Islip. HOUSE TRAILER PARK For the purpose of this ordinance, is any site, lot, field or tract of land upon which three (3) or more occupied "house trailers" are harbored or located, whether or not a charge is made for such harboring or locating, and shall include any building, structure, vehicle or enclosure used or intended for use as a part of the equipment of such "house trailer park."
Section 54-1 of Islip, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 54 establishes the foundational definitions governing house trailers and the spaces where they are situated. A house trailer is defined as a portable, wheel- or jack-supported vehicle used as a temporary dwelling for up to 180 days within any twelve-month period starting from first occupancy in the Town of Islip. Once a trailer exceeds that 180-day threshold—regardless of changes in ownership or occupant—it is reclassified as a permanent dwelling and must comply with Islip's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. A house trailer park is any site hosting three or more occupied trailers, whether or not fees are charged for their placement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of house trailer parks or owners of house trailers in the Town of Islip should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 54-1, which draw a clear line between temporary and permanent dwelling status. A compliant operator generally tracks the cumulative occupancy period of each trailer from its first use in Islip, since the 180-day clock runs with the unit—not with any particular owner or occupant. When a trailer crosses the 180-day mark in a twelve-month period, operators typically treat it as a permanent dwelling subject to Islip's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance requirements, and sites with three or more occupied trailers are generally managed as a house trailer park under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in house trailers in the Town of Islip should be aware that § 54-1 limits the classification of a trailer as a temporary dwelling to 180 days within a twelve-month period beginning at first occupancy in Islip. A change in the owner or occupant of the trailer does not reset or pause that 180-day count, which means tenants who have occupied a unit beyond that threshold may have rights associated with a permanent dwelling under Islip's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. Tenants who believe their living situation has been misclassified or that applicable code protections are not being honored may wish to contact the Town of Islip's relevant building or zoning office, or consult a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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