Can we receive a building permit from your department?

No, building permits must be obtained through the Building & Construction Department.

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Code Enforcement

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FAQ

Why does it take so long to achieve Code compliance?

The constitutional right of due process under law.
When a violation is identified, the alleged violator is allowed a certain amount of time to correct the non-compliant condition.
Under certain circumstances, a violation may persist over time, while the responsible party takes corrective action.
If there is no meaningful attempt to correct the violation, the responsible party is issued a summons or an appearance ticket. Following this action, the case is assigned to the Unified Court System, where it will be prosecuted.
The final disposition of a violation is determined by the presiding judge, based on the prevailing circumstances of the individual case.

How much time does a property owner have to paint a non-compliant house, before reinspection?

If you have received a Notice of Violation, the standard period before reinspection for compliance is thirty (30) days. Seasonal conditions that affect this type of work are considered when a reinspection date is being scheduled.

Who is responsible for correcting a code violation, the property owner or the occupant/tenant?

The person responsible for creating the violation is responsible. If a Notice of Violation is issued for a non-compliant condition, the party who is being held responsible will be named explicitly in the Notice.

When does the inside of an apartment have to be painted?

In accordance with NY State Property Maintenance code, Section 305.3, all interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed or covered. In addition to requirements of this code, 40 CFR 745 (titled "Lead-based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures"), a regulation issued and enforced by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, applies to certain activities in buildings that may contain lead-based paint, including renovations performed for compensation in "target housing" and "child-occupied facilities," "abatement" of lead-based paint hazards and other "lead-based paint activities" (as those terms are defined in 40 CFR Part 745). Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.

On what date can the landlord shut-off the heat due to summer weather?

If the outside temperature is 55 degrees or less, the heat inside a home must be maintained at 68 degrees, no matter what date or season. Reference Code of Ordinance, §265-12.F.(1), for additional details

Are timers or set back thermometers allowed to be used by a landlord?

Timers are not allowed. A set back can be used but has to be set at a minimum of 68 degrees. Code questions about heating systems can be directed to the Code Enforcement Officer at (607) 772-7004.

How soon after a snowstorm does snow and ice have to be removed from a sidewalk?

In accordance with Code of City Ordinances, §265-13, snow or ice must be removed by the property owner, within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm.

How high is grass allowed to grow before a Notice of Violation is issued?

In accordance with Code of Ordinances, §265-13.H.(1).(c), maximum height is 10 inches.
In accordance with Code of Ordinances, §265-4.A.(4).(a), the property owner or designee has 48 hrs maximum to correct the violation, upon receiving a Notice of Violation.

How many unlicensed vehicles can you have on your property in the City?

In accordance with Code of Ordinances, §265-14.D.(5).(d), "Junked vehicles as defined in §265-2(below), equipment, or materials will not be stored at the premises."
§ 265-2 UNREGISTERED AND/OR UNLICENSED VEHICLES -- Any vehicle, including a tractor and trailer, without a currently valid license plate or plates or which is in either a wrecked, discarded, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned condition and is not in a condition where it may be used on a public highway. An expired inspection sticker or lack of a current inspection sticker shall be presumptive evidence that a vehicle is not in a condition capable of being used on a public highway. Vehicles capable of being driven on a public highway and offered for sale by a automobile dealer duly licensed by the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicles to sell automobiles shall not be considered unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicles when offered for sale at the dealer's place of business as stated in his application for an automobile dealers license to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Do we need a certificate of compliance in order to live in our apartment?

No. However, periodic inspection of residential rental property is required under the Code of Ordinances, §265-6. "Registration of rental housing units" A tenant or prospective tenant may request a Life Safety and Property Maintenance inspection to determine whether existing conditions within a residential occupancy are in general conformance with applicable codes. Request inspection by calling the Supervisor of Code Enforcement, (607) 772-7004.

How should I file a complaint with Code Enforcement?

The proper way to file a complaint with Code is to call the Code Office at 772-7010 or use the Online Request a Service. The Complaint Tracking System is a Database that requires certain information and assigns a Tracking number to this specific complaint. Your name and phone number will be part of the electronic file, but it will remain strictly confidential. If the Inspector requires clarification or additional information, direct contact with the complainant is required. If the current status of your complaint is requested, it can be immediately accessed from any computer terminal in Code Enforcement.

How many smoke detectors are required in my apartment?

At least one WORKING detector is required in every sleeping area of each living unit, in each room for sleeping purposes, in each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars. In addition, a multi-story apartment building is required to have one WORKING detector at each landing level of staircases. Further details available in the Code of Ordinances and the NY State Property Maintenance code.

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