Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-80
Right of entry
Operative Text
The Building Inspector and the assistant building inspectors shall be authorized to enter any structure or premises at any reasonable time, upon display of proper identification, for the purpose of making inspections under this Part 3 . A. If admission is refused or cannot be obtained from the owner, occupant or operator of a residential structure, the Building Inspector and the assistant building inspectors shall be authorized to obtain a search warrant to make an inspection, provided that reasonable or probable cause is shown. B. In case of an emergency, the Building Inspector and the assistant building inspectors may, without a search warrant, enter any premises or parts of premises to inspect at any time, without the permission of the owner, occupant or operator.
Section 245-80 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances establishes when and how building inspectors may enter residential properties. During normal circumstances, entry requires a reasonable time, proper identification, and—if access is denied—a search warrant supported by probable cause. In genuine emergencies, however, inspectors may enter without a warrant or prior permission at any hour.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 245-80, compliant property owners and managers generally cooperate with the Building Inspector or assistant building inspectors who present proper identification at a reasonable time. If access is denied, the inspector is authorized to seek a court-issued search warrant, so operators typically maintain clear communication channels to facilitate scheduled inspections. Emergency situations allow warrantless entry at any time, meaning operators should be aware that urgent safety conditions can trigger immediate access regardless of consent.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-80 gives tenants the right to expect that inspectors will display proper identification and arrive at a reasonable time before entering their home under normal circumstances. If a tenant refuses entry, the inspector must obtain a search warrant showing probable cause before proceeding—except in emergencies, where warrantless entry is permitted. Tenants who believe an entry was conducted improperly under § 245-80 may wish to document the circumstances and consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand 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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