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Uniform Fire Protection and Building Code
Town of Candor
Local Law No. 2 of 2006
A local law Providing for the Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Protection and Building Code
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Candor as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT
This local law provides for the administration and enforcement of the New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code) and the State
Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in this ToWD. This local law
is adopted pursuant to section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise
provided in the Uniform Code, other state law, or other section of this local law, all
buildings, structures, and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the
provisions of this local law.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
In this local law:
"Building Permit" shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 4 of this local law. The
term "Building Permit" shall also include a Building Permit which is renewed, amended
or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.
"Certificate of Occupancy"/"Certificate of Compliance" shall mean a certificate issued
pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 7 of this local law.
"Code Enforcement Officer" shall mean the Code Enforcement Officer appointed
pursuant to subdivision (b) of section 3 of this local law.
"Code Enforcement Personnel" shall include the Code Enforcement Office and all
Inspectors.
"Compliance Order" shall mean an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer
pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 15 of this local law.
"Energy Code" shall mean the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as
currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
"Inspector" shall mean an inspector appointed pursuant to subdivision (d) of section 4
of this local law.
"Operating Permit" shall mean a permit issued pursuant to section 10 of this local law.
The term "Operating Permit" shall also include an Operating Permit which is renewed,
amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this local law.
"Permit Holder" shall mean the Person to whom a Building Permit is issued.
"Person" shall include an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association, or any other legal or
commercial entity of any kind or description.
"Stop Work Order" shall mean an order issued pursuant to section 6 ofthis local law.
"Temporary Certificate" shall mean a certificate issued pursuant to subdivision (d) of
section 7 of this local law.
"Town" shall mean the Town of Candor.
"Uniform Code" shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code, as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
SECTION 3. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND INSPECTORS
- The office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby created. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions of the Uniform Code,
the Energy Code and this local law. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the
following powers and duties:
- (1) to receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for
Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary
Certificates and Operating Permits, and the plans, specifications and construction
documents submitted with such applications;
- (2) upon approval of such applications, to issue Building Permits,
Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and
Operating Permits, and to include in Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy/
Certificates of Compliance, Temporary Certificates and Operating Permits such
Terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate;
- (3) to conduct construction inspections, inspections to be made prior to
the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance, Temporary
Certificates and Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections,
inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all other inspections
required or permitted under any provision of this local law;
- (4) to issue Stop Work Orders;
- (5) to review and investigate complaints;
- (6) to issue orders pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 15 (Violations)
of this local law;
- (7) to maintain records;
- (8) to collect fees as set by the Town Board of this Town;
- (9) to pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
- (10) in consultation with this Town's attorney, to pursue such legal
actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform Code, the Energy
Code and this local law, or to abate and correct conditions not in compliance with the
Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this local law; and
- (11) to exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred upon
the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law.
- The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Town Board. The
Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience related to building
construction or fire prevention and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such
basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training as the
State if New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and the Code
Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant
to the Executive law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
- In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for
any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Town Board to serve as Acting Code
Enforcement Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of
his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code
Enforcement Officer by this local law.
- One or more Inspectors may be appointed by the Town Board to act under the
supervision and direction of the Code Enforcement Officer and to assist the Code
Enforcement Officer in the exercise of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred
upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this local law. Each Inspector shall, within the
time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced
in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require for code
enforcement personnel, and each Inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire
Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
- The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and Inspectors shall be
fixed from time to time by the Town Board of the Town of Candor.
SECTION 4. BUILDING PERMITS
- Building Permits Required. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b)
of is section, a Building Permit shall be required for any work which must conform to
the Uniform Code and/or energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction,
enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building
or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid fuel burning heating
appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No Person shall commence any work
for which a Building Permit is required without first having obtained a Building Permit
from the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Exceptions. No Building Permit shall be required for work in any of the
Following categories:
- (1) construction or installation of one story detached structures associated
with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses)
which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross
floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.88 square meters);
- (2) installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with
one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
- (3) installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family
dwelling or multiple single-family (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a
water depth of less than 24 inches and are entirely above ground;
- (4) installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a
swimming pool;
- (5) construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge
or impound Class I, II or IIA liquids;
- (6) construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage
sets and scenery;
- (7) installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a
one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);
- (8) installation of partitions or movable cases less that 5' - 9' in height;
- (9) painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;
- (10) installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation
or cooling equipment or appliances;
- (11) replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not
alter the equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment's original
specifications; or
- (12) repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve (i) the removal
or cutting away of a load bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural
beam or load bearing component; (ii) the removal or change of any required means of
egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
(iii) the enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system; or
(iv) the removal from service of all or part of fire protection system for any period of
time.
- Exemption not deemed authorization to perform non-compliant work. The
exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set
forth in subdivision (b) of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to
be performed in violation of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.
- Applications for Building Permits. Applications for a Building Permit shall
be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code
Enforcement Officer. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property where
the work is to be performed or an authorized agent of the owner. The application shall
include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a
determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all
applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The application shall
include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
- (1) a description of the proposed work;
- (2) the tax map number and the street address of the premises where the
the work is to be performed;
- (3) the occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;
- (4) where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in
accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
- (5) at least 2 sets of construction documents (drawings and/or
specifications) which (i) define the scope of the proposed work; (ii) are prepared by a
New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer where so required
by the Education Law; (iii) indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and
extent of the work proposed; (iv) substantiate that the proposed work will comply with
the Uniform Code and the Energy Code; and (v) where applicable, include a site plan
that shows existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site, the location of any
existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended work, and the
distances between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.
- Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part
of an application for a Building Permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth in
paragraph (5) of subdivision (d) of this section. Construction documents which are
accepted as part of the application for a Building Permit shall be marked as accepted
by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp. One set of accepted
construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one
set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept
at the work site so as to be available for use by the Code Enforcement Personnel.
However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not
be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a Building
Permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a Building Permit
is issued.
- Issuance of Building Permits. An application for a Building Permit shall be
examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable
requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. The Code Enforcement Officer
shall issue a Building Permit if the proposed work is in compliance with the applicable
requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code.
- Building Permits to be displayed. Building permits shall be visibly displayed
at the work site and shall remain visible until the authorized work has been completed.
- Work to be in accordance with construction documents. All work shall be
performed in accordance with the construction documents which were submitted with
and accepted as part of the application for the Building Permit. The Building Permit
shall contain such a directive. The Permit Holder shall immediately notify the Code
Enforcement Officer of any change occurring during the course of the work. The
Building Permit shall contain such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer
determines that such change warrants a new or amended Building Permit, such change
shall not be made until and unless a new or amended Building Permit reflecting such
change is issued.
- Time limits. Building Permits shall become invalid unless the authorized
work is commenced within 6 months following the date of issuance. Building Permits
shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. A Building Permit which has become
invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subdivision may be renewed upon
application by the Permit Holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the
application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Revocation or suspension of Building Permits. If the Code Enforcement
Officer determines that a Building Permit was issued in error because of incorrect,
inaccurate or incomplete information, or that the work for which a Building Permit was
issued violates the Uniform Code or the Energy Code, the Code Enforcement Officer
shall revoke the Building Permit or suspend the Building Permit until such time as the
Permit Holder demonstrates that (1) all work then completed is in compliance with all
applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code and (2) all work then
proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the
Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
- Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set
forth in section 16 (Pees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an
application for a Building Permit, for an amended Building Permit, or for renewal of a
Building Permit.
SECTION 5. CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS.
- Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and
exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an
Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Permit Holder shall notify
the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in subdivision (b)
of this section is ready for inspection.
- Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction
process shall be inspected made, where applicable:
- (1) work site prior to the issuance of a Building Permit;
- (2) footing and foundation;
- (3) preparation for concrete slab;
- (4) framing;
- (5) building systems, including underground and rough-in;
- (6) fire resistant construction;
- (7) fire resistant penetrations;
- (8) solid fuel burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents;
- (9) Energy Code compliance; and
- (10) a final inspection after all work authorized by the Building Permit
has been completed.
- Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be
noted as satisfactory as completed, or the Permit Holder shall be notified as to where the
work fails to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code. Work not in compliance
with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code shall remain exposed
until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable provisions of
the Uniform Code and the Energy Code, re-inspected, and found satisfactory as
completed.
- Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions
set forth in section 16 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or at the time of
each inspection performed pursuant to this section.
SECTION 6. STOP WORK ORDERS.
- Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue
Stop Work Orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue
a Stop Work Order to halt:
- (1) any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be
contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code, without
regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a Building Permit is required,
and without regard to whether a Building Permit has or has been issued for such work
or
- (2) any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner in
the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without regard to whether such work is or
is not work for which a Building Permit is required, and without regard to whether a
Building Permit has or has not been issued for such work, or
- (3) any work for which a Building Permit is required which is being
performed without the required Building Permit, or under a Building Permit that has
become invalid, has expired, or has been suspended or revoked.
- Content of Stop Work Orders. Stop Work Orders shall (a) be in writing,
(2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, (3) state the reason for
issuance, and (4) if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before
work will be permitted to resume.
- Service to Stop Work Orders. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause
the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected
property (and, if the owner is not the Permit Holder, on the Permit Holder) personally
or by registered/certified mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but
not required, to cause the Stop Work Order, or a copy thereof, to be served on any
builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor, construction superintendent, or
their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in work affected by the Stop
Work Order, personally or by registered/certified mail]; provided, however, that failure
to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the Stop
Work Order.
- Effect the Stop Work Order. Upon the issuance of a Stop Work Order,
the owner of the affected property, the Permit Holder and any other Person performing,
taking part in or assisting in the work shall immediately cease all work which is the
subject of the Stop Work Order.
- Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a Stop Work Order shall not be the
exclusive remedy available to address any event described in subdivision (a) of this
section, and the authority to issue a Stop Work Order shall be in addition to, and not in
substitution for or limitation of, the right and authority to pursue any other remedy or
impose any other penalty under section 15 (Violations) of this local law or under any
other applicable local law or State law. Any such other remedy or penalty may be
pursued at any time, whether prior to, at the time of, or after the issuance of a Stop Work
Order.
SECTION 7. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY/CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
- Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance required. A Certificate
of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance shall be required for any work which is the
subject of a Building Permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which
are converted from one use or occupancy classification or sub-classification to another.
Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or portion thereof, for which a
Building Permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a Certificate
of Occupancy/Compliance.
- Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall issue Certificate of Occupancy/Certificates of Compliance if
the work which was subject of the Building Permit was completed with all applicable
provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code and, if applicable, that the structure,
building or portion thereof that was converted from one use or occupancy classification
of sub-classification to another complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform
Code and Energy Code. The Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the
Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the building, structure or work prior to the
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance. In addition, where
applicable, the following documents, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the
Uniform Code by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise
acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant for the
Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance, shall be provided to the Code
Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of
Compliance:
- (1) a written statement of structural observations and/or a final report of
special inspections, and
- (2) flood hazard certifications.
- Contents of Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance. A
Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance shall contain the following
information:
- (1) the Building Permit number, if any;
- (2) the date of issuance of the Building Permit, if any;
- (3) the name, address and tax map number of the property;
- (4) if the Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance is not
applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion for which the Certificate
of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance is issued;
- (5) the use and occupancy classification of the structure;
- (6) the type of construction of the structure;
- (7) the assembly occupant load of the structure, if any;
- (8) if an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether
the sprinkler system is required;
- (9) any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the
Building Permit; and
- (10) the signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the Certificate
of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance and the date of issuance.
- Temporary Certificate. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to
issue a Temporary Certificate allowing the temporary occupancy of a building or
structure, or a portion thereof, prior to completion of the work which is the subject of a
Building Permit. However, in no event shall the Code Enforcement Officer issue a
Temporary Certificate unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines (1) that the
building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the Temporary Certificate, may
be occupied safely, (2) that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment
which has been installed is operational, and (3) that all required means of egress from the
building or structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in
a Temporary Certificate such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or
appropriate to ensure safety or to further the purposes and intent of the Uniform Code.
A Temporary Certificate shall be effective for a period of time, not to exceed 6 months,
which shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the
Temporary Certificate. During the specified period of effectiveness of the Temporary
Certificate, the Permit Holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into full
compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.
- Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer
determines that a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance or a Temporary
Certificate was issued in error because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information,
and if the relevant deficiencies are not corrected to the satisfaction of the Code
Enforcement Officer within such period of time as shall be specified by the Code
Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke or suspend such
certificate.
- Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions
set forth in section 16 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of
an application for a Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Compliance Or for Temporary
Certificate.
SECTION 8. NOTIFICATION REGARDING FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
The chief of any fire department providing fire fighting services for a property
within this Town shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or
explosion involving any structural damage, fuel burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
SECTION 9. UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Unsafe structures and equipment in the Town shall be identified and addressed in
accordance with the following procedures. The authorized inspector shall have the power
to order in writing the remedying of any condition found to exist in, on, or about any
building in violation of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Such
orders may be served upon the owner or his authorized agent personally or by registered
mail sent to the address set forth in the application for the building permit. The local
legislative body my by resolution grant such time as may be reasonably necessary for
achieving compliance with such order. The Code Enforcement Officer may issue a
Stop Work Order in order to enjoin any violation of this Local Law.
- The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the power to issue an appearance
ticket pursuant to Section 150.20 of the Criminal Procedure Law, to serve a summons,
or to serve or issue any orders or process in the administration of the provisions of this
Local law. In addition, the Code Enforcement Officer, or an Inspector designated by the
Code Enforcement Officer, or Police Officer authorized by the municipality to assist in
the enforcement of this Local Law may serve any process, including an appearance
ticket, a uniform appearance ticket and simplified information, related to any proceeding,
either criminal or civil in nature undertaken in accordance with the provisions of this
Local Law.
SECTION 10. OPERATING PERMITS
- Operation Permits required. Operating Permits shall be required for
conducting the activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:
- (1) manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities
exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.2.2(3) or 2703.1.1(4) in the
publication entitled "Fire Code of New York State" and incorporated by reference in
19 NYCRR section 1225.1;
- (2) hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to,
commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a byproduct,
fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
- (3) use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
- (4) building containing one or more areas of public assembly with an
occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
- (5) building whose use or occupancy classification may pose a
substantial hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Town
Board of this Town.
Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building
listed in this subdivision (a) shall be required to obtain an Operating Permit prior to
commencing such activity or operation.
- Applications for Operating Permits. An application for an Operating Permit
shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Code
Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include such information as the Code
Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the Code
Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials, and activities conform to the requirements
of the Uniform Code. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports
are necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be preformed by such
person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code
Enforcement Officer, at the expenses of the applicant.
- Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the
Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect subject premises prior to the issuance of an
Operating Permit.
- Multiple Activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity
listed in subdivision (a) of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code
Enforcement Officer may require a separate Operating Permit for each such activity,
or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in his or her discretion, issue a single Operating
Permit to apply to all such activities.
- Duration of Operating Permits. Operating permits shall be issued for such
period of time, not to exceed one year in the case of any Operating Permit issued for an
area of public assembly and not to exceed three years in any other case, as shall be
determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be consistent with local conditions.
The effective period of each Operating Permit shall be specified in the Operating Permit.
An Operating Permit may be reissued or renewed upon application to the Code
Enforcement Officer, payment of the applicable fee, and approval by the Code
Enforcement Officer.
- Revocation or suspension of Operating Permits. If the Code Enforcement
Officer determines that any activity or building for which an Operating Permit was issued
does not comply with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code, such Operating
Permit shall be revoked or suspended.
- Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set
forth in section 16 (Fees) of this local law must be paid at the time of submission of an
application for an Operating Permit, for an amended Operating Permit, or for reissue or
renewal of an Operating Permit.
SECTION 11. FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
- Inspections required. Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of
buildings and structures shall be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an
Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at the following intervals:
- (1) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or
structures which contain an area of public assembly shall be performed at least once
every twelve (12) months.
- (2) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or
structures being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least one every twelve
(12) months.
- (3) Fire safety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple
dwellings not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subdivision, and all non-residential
buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this
subdivision, shall be performed at least once every twenty-four (24) months.
- Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by subdivision
(a) of this section, a fire safety and property maintenance inspection of any building,
structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code
Enforcement Officer or an Inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at any
time upon:
- (1) the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an
authorized agent of such owner;
- (2) receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement
alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code of Energy
Code exist; or
- (3) receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of any other information,
reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement Officer to be reliable, giving rise to
reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities failing to comply with the
Uniform Code or the Energy Code exist; provided, however, that nothing in this
subdivision shall be construed as permitting an inspection under any circumstances under
which a court order or warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court
order or warrant shall have been obtained.
- OFPC Inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other provision of this
local law shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties and responsibilities of the
New York State Officer of Fire Prevention and Control ("OFPC") and the New York
State Fire Administrator under executive Law section 156-e and Education Law
section 807-b.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary:
- (1) the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and
property maintenance inspections of a building or structure which contains an area of
public assembly if OPFC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections of
such building or structure at least once every twelve (12) months;
- (2) the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and
property maintenance inspections of a building or structure occupied as a dormitory of
OFPC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections of such building or
structure at least once every twelve (12) months;
- (3) the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and
property maintenance inspections of a multi(>le dwelling not included in paragraphs(l)
or (2) of subdivision (a) of this section of OFPC performs fire safety and property
maintenance inspections of such multiple dwelling at intervals not exceeding the
interval specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of this section; and
- (4) the Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform fire safety and
property maintenance inspections of a non-residential building, structure, use or
occupancy not included in paragraphs (1) or (2) of subdivision (a) of this section if
OFPC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections of such non-residential
building, structure, use or occupancy at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in
paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of this section.
- Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set
forth in section 16 (Fees) of this local law must be paid prior to or at the time each
inspection performed pursuant to this section. This subdivision shall not apply to
inspections performed by OFPC.
SECTION 12. COMPLAINTS
The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints which
allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail to comply with the
Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this locallaw, or any other local law, ordinance or
regulation adopted for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code or the
Energy Code. The process for responding to a complaint shall include such of the
following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:
- performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged to be in
violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;
- if a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property
and any other Person who may be responsible for the violation with notice of violation
and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding in the
manner described in section 15 (Violations) of this local law;
- if appropriate, issuing a Stop Work Order;
- if a violation which was found to exist is abated or corrected, performing an
inspection to ensure that the violation ha been abated or corrected, preparing a final
written report reflecting such abatement or correction, and filing such report with the
complaint.
SECTION 13. RECORD KEEPING.
- The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all
transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement Personnel, including
records of:
- (1) all applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;
- (2) all plans, specifications and construction documents approved;
- (3) all Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of
Compliance, Temporary Certificates, Stop Work Orders, and Operating Permits issued;
- (4) all inspections and tests performed;
- (5) all statements and reports issued;
- (6) all complaints received;
- (7) all investigations conducted;
- (8) all other features and activities specified in or contemplated by
sections 4 through 12, inclusive, of this local law, including; and
- (9) all fees charged and collected.
- All such records shall be public records open for public inspection during
normal business hours. All plans and records pertaining to buildings or structures, or
appurtenances thereto, shall be retained for at least the minimum time period so
required by State law and regulation.
SECTION 14. PROGRAM REVIEW AND REPORTING.
- The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Town Board
of this Town a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Code
Enforcement Officer and the Inspectors, including a report and summary of all
transactions and activities described in section 13 (Record Keeping) of this local law
and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
- The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary of
State, on behalf of this Town, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report
of the activities of this Town relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform
Code.
- the Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the New York State
Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of State, from the
records and related materials this Town is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries,
statistics and other information and accounts of the activities of this Town in connection
with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
SECTION 15: VIOLATIONS
- Compliance Orders. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to order in
writing the remedying of any condition or activity found to exist in, on or about any
building, structure, or premises in violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or
this local law. Upon finding that any such condition or activity exists, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall issue a Compliance Order. The Compliance Order shall (a)
be in writing; (2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer; (3) specify the
condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this local law;
(4) specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this
local law which is/are violated by the specified condition or activity; (5) specify the
period of time which the Code Enforcement Officer deems to be reasonably necessary
for achieving compliance; (6) direct that compliance be achieved within the specified
period of time; and (7) state that an action or proceeding to compel compliance may be
instituted if compliance is not achieved within the specified period of time. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall cause the Compliance Order, or a copy thereof, to be served
on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the Compliance Order,
or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor,
construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other Person taking part or assisting in
work being performed at the affected property personally or by registered mail; provided,
however, that failure to serve any Person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the
efficacy of the Compliance Order.
- Appearance Tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each Inspector are
authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform Code.
- Civil Penalties. In addition to those penalties proscribed by State law, any
Person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this local
law, or any term or condition of any Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy,
Certificate of Compliance. Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order, Operating Permit,
or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any
provision of this local law, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $200 for
each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties
provided by this subdivision shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of
this Town.
- Injunction Relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the name of
this Town, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or
abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy
Code, this local law, or any term or condition of any Building Permit, Certificate of
Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, Temporary Certificate, Stop Work Order,
Operating Permit, Compliance Order, or other order issued by the Code Enforcement
Officer pursuant to any provision of this local law. In particular, but not by way of
limitation, where the construction or use of a building or structure is on violation of any
provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or any Stop Work Order, Compliance
Order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this local
law, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name of this Town in the
Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction, to obtain an order
directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in
violation of such provisions. No action or proceeding described in this subdivision shall
be commenced without the appropriate authorization from the Code Enforcement Officer
of this Town.
- Remedies Not Exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall
be the exclusive remedy or penalty available to address any violation described in this
section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and
not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this
section, in section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of this local law, in any other section of this
local law, or any other applicable law. Any remedy or penalty specified in this section
may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of
any other remedy or penalty specified in this section, in section 6 (Stop Work Orders) of
this local law, in any other section of this local law, or in any other applicable law. In
particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section
shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified
in subdivision (2) of section 381 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty
specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously
with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in subdivision (2) of section 381 of the
Executive Law.
SECTION 16. FEES
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board of this
Town. Such fee schedule may thereafter be amended from time to time by like
resolution. The fees set forth in, or determined in accordance with such fee schedule
or amended fee schedule shall be charged and collected for the submission of
applications, the issuance of Building Permits, amended Building Permits, renewed
Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Compliance, Temporary
Certificates, Operating Permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, and
other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this local
law.
SECTION 17. INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENTS
The Town Board of this Town may, be resolution, authorize the Supervisor of this
Town to enter into an agreement, in the name of this Town, with other governments to
carry out the terms of this local law, provided that such agreement does not violate any
provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR,
or any other applicable law.
SECTION 18. PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If any section of this local law shall be held unconstitutional, invalid, or
ineffective, in whole or in part, such determination shall not be deemed to affect, impair,
or invalidate the remainder of this local law.
SECTION 19. EFFECTIVE DATE
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New
York State Secretary of State in accordance with section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule
Law.
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