Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-146
Cellars and basements
Operative Text
A. Cellars, basements and crawl spaces in every residential building shall be reasonably free from dampness, to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. B. Cross ventilation shall be provided in every basement, cellar and crawl space, consisting of at least one window, opening or vent located near each corner of the structure. The aggregate ventilation area shall be not less than one square foot for every 100 linear feet of wall space or 1% of the total area of the enclosed space, whichever is greater.
Sleepy Hollow Code ch. 245 § 245-146 establishes moisture and ventilation standards for the below-grade and crawl spaces of residential buildings. Cellars, basements, and crawl spaces must be kept reasonably free from dampness to prevent structural decay, and cross ventilation must be provided through openings near each corner of the structure. The total ventilation area must meet a minimum threshold — at least one square foot per 100 linear feet of wall space, or one percent of the total enclosed area, whichever is the larger figure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Sleepy Hollow are generally expected to inspect cellars, basements, and crawl spaces for moisture intrusion and address conditions that could lead to decay or structural deterioration, as required by ch. 245 § 245-146. Compliant buildings typically have vents, windows, or openings positioned near each corner of the below-grade space, with aggregate ventilation area calculated against both the linear-wall and total-area formulas to ensure the greater threshold is met. Maintaining documentation of ventilation measurements and periodic moisture assessments is a practice commonly associated with ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-146 of the Sleepy Hollow Code gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if a basement, cellar, or crawl space in their residential building is excessively damp or lacks adequate cross ventilation near the structure's corners. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the local code enforcement or building department, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Sleepy Hollow's housing code can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what general options are available under this provision.
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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