Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 420 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 420-2
Definitions
Operative Text
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated for this chapter: BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL A duly authorized representative of the Building Department, including the Building Inspector, Assistant Building Inspector, Zoning Officer, and Code Enforcement Officer. PROPERTY MANAGER A party contracted by the property owner to oversee and operate the identified property. The property manager may be an individual person or a company. PROPERTY OWNER Any person or legal entity identified as the property owner of record in the records of the Sleepy Hollow Assessor's Office, those identified as the owner or owners on a vacant building registration form, or a mortgagee or mortgagor in possession of the property, an assignee of rents, a receiver, an executor, a trustee, lessee or any other person or legal entity in control of the premises. All such persons, partners and principals shall have a joint and several obligation for compliance with the provisions of this article. TEMPORARY POP-UP RETAIL Temporary commercial uses of Vacant Land, Vacant Buildings, or Vacant Storefronts for the sale of goods or services, having the owner's permission to operate, and for a period not to exceed 180 days with a valid Temporary Use Permit. Temporary Pop-up Retail will exclude food service requiring County Health Department approval, and will not require bathroom access or access to potable water for operations. UNOCCUPIED A building which is vacant or is not legally being used for an occupancy authorized by the property owner, with a valid Certificate of Occupancy. VACANT BUILDING Any building or structure designed or used for residential purposes which has been unoccupied or unused for a period of 365 days or longer and/or for commercial purposes which has been unoccupied or unused for a period of 365 days or longer. Additionally, a vacant building will include any building or structure that is unoccupied as determined by the appropriate village, county or state agency. VACANT STOREFRONT Any portion of a building or structure designed or used for commercial purposes which is unoccupied, unused for commercial purposes consistent with Chapter 450 (Zoning) or is not open for business with an ongoing business concern operating in the space during customary business hours for a period of 365 days or longer. Additionally, a vacant storefront will include any portion of a building or structure that is unoccupied as determined by the appropriate state, county or village agency.
Section 420-2 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances Chapter 420 establishes the foundational definitions that govern how the chapter's vacant building and property regulations are applied. Key terms such as "Vacant Building," "Vacant Storefront," and "Property Owner" are given specific legal meanings that determine who bears responsibility and which properties fall under the chapter's requirements. Notably, the definition of "Property Owner" is broad, encompassing not just the owner of record but also mortgagees, receivers, trustees, and others in control of a premises, all of whom share joint and several liability for compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 420-2, the definition of "Property Owner" extends well beyond the name on a deed, meaning that anyone exercising control over a property — including assignees of rents, receivers, or trustees — may share equal responsibility for meeting the chapter's obligations. Operators who engage a third party to manage a property should be aware that a contracted "Property Manager" does not transfer the owner's compliance obligations under this chapter. Landlords with properties that have been unoccupied for approaching 365 days should familiarize themselves with the "Vacant Building" and "Vacant Storefront" definitions in § 420-2, as crossing that threshold triggers the chapter's registration and maintenance requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 420-2 provides the definitional framework that underpins tenant protections and enforcement mechanisms throughout Chapter 420 of Sleepy Hollow's Code of Ordinances. Because the definition of "Property Owner" includes a wide range of parties in control of a premises — not just the named landlord — tenants may have recourse against multiple responsible parties when violations occur. Tenants who believe a property is being improperly classified as "Unoccupied" or "Vacant" under § 420-2 may wish to contact Sleepy Hollow's Building Department or consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how these definitions affect their situation.
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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