Oyster Bay, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 135 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 135-17
Classification of buildings
Operative Text
Buildings for the purpose of this chapter shall be classified in respect to their occupancies as follows: A. One-family owner-occupied dwellings: buildings containing not more than one dwelling unit occupied exclusively for residential purposes by the immediate family of the owner-occupant, not having more than one kitchen or one kitchenette and no portion of which is used for the accommodation of roomers or boarders. B. One- and two-family dwellings: buildings containing one or two dwelling units, with less than four lodgers residing with a family in either one of such dwelling units. C. Multiple dwellings: buildings containing one or two dwelling units with more than four lodgers with a family in either one of such dwelling units, buildings containing three or more dwelling units, lodging houses, buildings with sleeping accommodations for more than five persons used or occupied as a club, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house or for similar uses and garden apartments. D. Accessory structures: garages, carports and similar-type structures on residential premises.
Section 135-17 of Oyster Bay's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 135, establishes a classification system that sorts residential buildings into four categories based on how they are occupied and how many dwelling units or lodgers they contain. A single-family home occupied solely by the owner's immediate family falls into the most restrictive category, while buildings with three or more units, lodging houses, dormitories, and similar structures are grouped as 'multiple dwellings.' One- and two-family buildings occupy a middle category, with the number of lodgers determining whether a structure tips into the multiple-dwelling classification. Accessory structures such as garages and carports form their own separate category under this scheme.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Oyster Bay should be aware that § 135-17 of Chapter 135 determines which regulatory requirements apply to their buildings based on occupancy type and unit count. A compliant operator generally ensures that the actual use of a building—including the number of lodgers residing with a family—matches the classification under which the property is permitted and maintained. Operators of owner-occupied single-family homes typically take care that no portion of the dwelling is used for roomers or boarders and that only one kitchen or kitchenette is present, since those factors affect classification status.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 135-17 of Oyster Bay's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 135, the classification assigned to a building can affect what protections and standards apply to the dwelling where a tenant lives. Tenants who believe their building is misclassified—for example, a structure functioning as a multiple dwelling but not treated as one—may have grounds to raise that issue with local housing or code enforcement authorities. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Oyster Bay's local code can help residents understand how building classification intersects with habitability standards and other tenant protections.
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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