Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-128
Stairways, porches and railings
Operative Text
A. Stairways, porches and balconies, handrails, railings and parapet walls shall be kept in good repair and structurally sound, free of holes and cracks and capable of bearing normally imposed loads. B. Stairways and landings shall be arranged, proportioned and maintained so as to provide safe ascent and descent. C. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of stairways that are more than three risers high. D. Balustraded railings, at least 33 inches above nosings and 36 inches above landings, shall be provided on open portions of stairways and landings. E. Handrails and railings shall be firmly fastened. F. Properly balustraded railings or parapet walls shall be provided at open sides of porches, balconies, accessible roofs and motor vehicle parking decks and ramps, where there is clear danger of accident or personal injury. G. Railings and parapet walls shall be at least three feet six inches high. Fixed openings in the same shall not exceed six inches in one dimension.
Section 245-128 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances establishes structural and safety standards for stairways, porches, balconies, handrails, railings, and parapet walls in residential properties. The rule requires these features to be kept in good repair, capable of bearing normal loads, and free of holes or cracks. It also sets specific dimensional requirements, including handrails on stairways with more than three risers, balustraded railings at prescribed heights, and a minimum railing or parapet wall height of three feet six inches with fixed openings no wider than six inches in any one dimension.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Sleepy Hollow are generally expected to conduct regular inspections of all stairways, porches, balconies, handrails, railings, and parapet walls to ensure compliance with § 245-128. A compliant operator typically repairs holes, cracks, or loose fasteners promptly and verifies that handrails are present on stairways exceeding three risers and that balustraded railings meet the height thresholds specified in the ordinance. Maintaining documentation of routine maintenance and repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the structural and dimensional standards set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 245-128 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances, tenants have an interest in stairways, railings, porches, and balconies that are structurally sound, properly maintained, and built to the required safety dimensions. If these features appear damaged, loose, or otherwise out of compliance, tenants may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and dates and notifying their landlord in writing. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the local code enforcement or building department, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization familiar with Sleepy Hollow's housing code for guidance on available options.
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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