The Suffolk County Legislature hereby finds as follows:
A. There exist in the County numerous County-owned or -leased buildings,
structures or premises with conditions that are or may become substandard
or fire hazards and which, in the absence of corrective action, may
constitute a threat to the public health and safety.
B. Although there is a New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code, there exists the need for a local law to address enforcement
of this code.
C. Although the County Fire Marshal's Office is performing inspections
of County buildings and writing building violations, it is also important
to correct said violations in a reasonable time frame.
D. It is essential that fire code violations in County buildings be
corrected in a timely manner so as to minimize the County risk exposure
and to ensure the safety of all County employees.
E. Failure to comply with the state code is a breach of County government
responsibility.
F. The state encourages local governments to exercise their full powers
to administer and enforce the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code.
G. It is necessary to enact a local law which will set forth responsibility
and compliance criteria and strengthen procedures to ensure County
compliance with standards of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code.