Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-185
Ventilation
Operative Text
Every habitable room and every kitchen, bathroom, shower room, water-closet room or compartment shall have at least one window or skylight that can be easily opened or a mechanical device that will adequately ventilate such room. A. Natural ventilation. (1) Openable areas for natural ventilation shall include windows, skylights, louvers, monitors and similar openings. (2) The total openable area for natural ventilation in habitable rooms shall be equal to 45% of the minimum requirement for windows and skylights, as specified in § 245-183 of this Part 3 . (3) The total openable area for natural ventilation in bathrooms, shower rooms, water-closet rooms or compartments shall be at least 1 1/2 square feet facing open space. B. Mechanical ventilation. (1) Required ventilation may be supplied by a mechanical device of a type approved by the Building Inspector. (2) The system shall be provided with proper openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation of air and shall be so constructed, arranged and maintained as to continuously provide adequate ventilation.
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 § 245-185 requires that every habitable room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet space have at least one openable window, skylight, or an approved mechanical ventilation system. For rooms relying on natural ventilation, the openable area must meet specific minimum thresholds—45% of the window/skylight minimums for habitable rooms, and at least 1.5 square feet facing open space for bathrooms and similar rooms. Where mechanical ventilation is used instead, the system must be approved by the Building Inspector and continuously maintained to provide adequate air circulation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-185, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room, kitchen, bathroom, and water-closet space is equipped with either an openable window or skylight meeting the prescribed area minimums, or a Building Inspector-approved mechanical ventilation system. Landlords generally verify that natural ventilation openings—windows, skylights, louvers, or similar features—meet the 45% threshold for habitable rooms and the 1.5-square-foot minimum for bathroom-type spaces. Where mechanical systems are installed, operators keep those systems properly constructed, arranged, and maintained so that adequate ventilation is continuously provided.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-185 of the Sleepy Hollow Code establishes a right to adequate ventilation in every habitable room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet compartment of a rental unit, whether through openable windows/skylights of sufficient size or an approved mechanical system. If a room lacks any functioning ventilation meeting these standards, that condition may constitute a housing code violation that tenants can report to the local building or housing enforcement office. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of these requirements may also consult a tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available, including raising the violation as a defense in relevant proceedings.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation