[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of Bath 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 1-2011.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Dilapidated and/or deteriorated buildings — See Ch. 42.
Outdoor furnaces — See Ch. 59.
Property maintenance — See Ch. 86.
[1]
Editor's Note: This chapter also repealed former Ch.
40, Building Construction and Fire Prevention, adopted 12-18-2006
by L.L. No. 6-2006.
[Amended 9-21-2015 by L.L. No. 7-2015]
This chapter 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") and the Village of Bath Code in the Village of
Bath. This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10 of the Municipal
Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, other
state law, or other section of this chapter, all buildings, structures,
and premises, regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions
of this chapter, which is intended to address unsafe buildings or
structures with violations that can reasonably be abated.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A permit issued pursuant to § 40-4 of this chapter. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 40-7B of this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 40-3B of this chapter.
Includes the Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 40-15A of this chapter.
The State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently
in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 40-4D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 40-10 of this chapter. The term "operating permit" shall also include an operating permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
The person to whom a building permit has been issued.
Includes 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.
An order issued pursuant to § 40-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 40-7D of this chapter.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code,
as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
An unsafe building or structure is one that is found to be
dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or
the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards
to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire or because such
structure is unsanitary or unfit for human occupancy or contains unsafe
equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe,
or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that partial
or complete collapse is possible.
[Added 9-21-2015 by L.L.
No. 7-2015]
The Village of Bath.
A.
The office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby confirmed. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions
of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this chapter. 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, 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, temporary certificates and operating permits, and to
include in building permits, certificates of occupancy, 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, temporary certificates
and operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance inspections,
inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and all
other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this
chapter;
(4)
To issue stop-work orders;
(5)
To review and investigate complaints;
(7)
To maintain records;
(8)
To collect fees as set by the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Bath;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with the Village's attorney, to pursue such
legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code and this chapter, or to abate or correct conditions
not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter;
and
(11)
To exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties conferred
upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Bath. 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 of 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.
C.
In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve
as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed by the Board
of Trustees 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 chapter.
D.
One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Board of Trustees
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 chapter. 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.
E.
The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and inspectors
shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of Bath.
A.
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the 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.
B.
Exemptions. 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 (13.38 square meters);
(2)
Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated
with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses);
(3)
Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family
dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such
pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are
installed 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 IIIA 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 than five feet nine
inches 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:
(a)
The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition, or
portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
(b)
The removal or change of any required means of egress, or the rearrangement
of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
(c)
The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building
system; or
(d)
The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system
for any period of time.
C.
Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subsection 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.
D.
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
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 two sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications)
which:
(a)
Define
the scope of the proposed work;
(b)
Are
prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed professional
engineer where so required by the Education Law;
(c)
Indicate
with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent of the work
proposed;
(d)
Substantiate
that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform Code and the Energy
Code; and
(e)
Where
applicable, include a site plan that shows any 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.
E.
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 Subsection D(5) 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 the 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.
F.
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.
G.
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.
H.
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.
I.
Time limits. Building permits shall become invalid unless the authorized
work is commenced within six 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 subsection may be renewed upon application by the permit holder,
payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by
the Code Enforcement Officer.
J.
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:
A.
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 Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
B.
Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction
process shall be inspected, 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.
C.
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, reinspected, and found satisfactory
as completed.
A.
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 not 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.
C.
Service of 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 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 certified mail;
provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this
sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the stop-work order.
D.
Effect of 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.
E.
Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a stop-work order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in Subsection 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 § 40-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter 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.
A.
Certificates of occupancy required. A certificate of occupancy 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 subclassification 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.
B.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy. The Code Enforcement Officer
shall issue a certificate of occupancy if the work which was the subject
of the building permit was completed in accordance with all applicable
provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code and, if applicable,
the structure, building or portion thereof that was converted from
one use or occupancy classification or subclassification 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. 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,
shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance
of the certificate of occupancy:
C.
Contents of certificates of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy
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 is not applicable to an entire structure,
a description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate
of occupancy 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 and the date of issuance.
D.
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 that the building or
structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate,
may be occupied safely; that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire
protection equipment which has been installed is operational; and
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 six months from the date of issuance,
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.
E.
Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement
Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy 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.
The chief of any fire department providing fire-fighting services
for a property within the Village of Bath shall promptly notify the
Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural
damage, fuel-burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
[Amended 9-21-2015 by L.L. No. 7-2015]
Unsafe structures and equipment in the Village of Bath shall be identified in accordance with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 40 of the Bath Village Code, as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
Operating permits required.
(1)
Operating permits shall be required for conducting the activities
or using the categories of buildings listed below:
(a)
Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities
exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3)
or 2703.1.1(4) in the publication entitled "Fire Code of New York
State" and incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR 1225.1;
(b)
Hazardous processes and activities, including, but not limited
to, commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible
dust as a by-product, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
(c)
Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(d)
Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with
an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(e)
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial
potential hazard to public safety, as determined by a resolution adopted
by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Bath.
B.
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 performed
or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise
acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the
applicant.
C.
Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized
by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises
prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
D.
Multiple activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection 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.
E.
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall remain in
effect until reissued, renewed, revoked, or suspended.
F.
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.
A.
Inspections required. Firesafety 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)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures
which contain an area of public assembly shall be performed at least
once every 12 months.
(2)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures
being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once every
12 months.
(3)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section, and all nonresidential buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section, shall be performed at least once every 24 months.
B.
Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a firesafety 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 the request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized agent of such owner; receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist; or 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 Energy Code exist; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection 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.
C.
OFPC inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other provision
of this chapter shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties
and responsibilities of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention
and Control (OFPC) and the New York State Fire Administrator under
Executive Law § 156-e and Education Law § 807-b.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary:
(1)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform firesafety and property
maintenance inspections of a building or structure which contains
an area of public assembly if OFPC performs firesafety and property
maintenance inspections of such building or structure at least once
every 12 months;
(2)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform firesafety and property
maintenance inspections of a building or structure occupied as a dormitory
if OFPC performs fire safety and property maintenance inspections
of such building or structure at least once every 12 months;
(3)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform firesafety and property maintenance inspections of a multiple dwelling not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance inspections of such multiple dwelling at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in Subsection A(3) of this section; and
(4)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall not perform, firesafety and property maintenance inspections of a nonresidential building, structure, use or occupancy not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section if OFPC performs firesafety and property maintenance inspections of such nonresidential building, structure, use or occupancy at intervals not exceeding the interval specified in Subsection A(3) of this section.
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 chapter,
or any other local law 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:
A.
Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities alleged
to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection.
B.
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 the violation and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding in the manner described in § 40-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter.
C.
If appropriate, issuing a stop-work order.
D.
If a violation which was found to exist is abated or corrected, performing
an inspection to ensure that the violation has been abated or corrected,
preparing a final written report reflecting such abatement or correction,
and filing such report with the complaint.
A.
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, 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;
(9)
All fees charged and collected.
B.
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.
A.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Board of Trustees of the Village of Bath 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 § 40-13, Recordkeeping, of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary
of State, on behalf of the Village of Bath, on a form prescribed by
the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of the Village
of Bath relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform
Code.
C.
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 the Village of Bath
is required to maintain, excepts, summaries, tabulations, statistics
and other information and accounts of the activities of the Village
of Bath in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform
Code.
A.
Notice of violation or compliance orders. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue an unsafe structure notice or notice of violation in accordance with 19 NYCRR Part 1226, Chapter 1, Section 108, or 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 chapter. Upon finding that any such condition or activity exists, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue an unsafe structure notice or notice of violation.
[Amended 9-21-2015 by L.L. No. 7-2015]
(1)
The unsafe structure notice or notice of violation shall:
(a)
Be in writing;
(b)
Be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer;
(c)
Specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code, Village of Bath Code, or this chapter;
(d)
Specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the
Energy Code, or this chapter which is/are violated by the specified
condition or activity;
(e)
Specify the period of time which the Code Enforcement Officer
deems to be reasonably necessary for achieving compliance;
(f)
Direct that compliance be achieved within the specified period
of time; and
(g)
State that an action or proceeding to compel compliance may
be instituted if compliance is not achieved within the specified period
of time.
(2)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the unsafe structure notice
or notice of violation, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner
of the affected property personally or by first-class mail. The Code
Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause
the unsafe structure notice or notice of violation, 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 first-class mail; provided, however, that failure
to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the
efficacy of the unsafe structure notice or notice of violation.
B.
Posting of unsafe structure notices.
[Added 11-21-2016 by L.L.
No. 6-2016[1]]
(1)
Provisions concerning notice.
(a)
Whenever any Code Enforcement Officer or the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Bath makes a determination pursuant to the New York
State Fire Prevention and Building Code or the Property Maintenance
Code Chapter thereof or the Bath Village Code that a structure is
unsafe, unfit for occupancy or must be vacated (the "determination"),
the Officer shall place a notice or placard on such structure stating
that the structure is unsafe, unfit for occupancy or must be vacated
(the "notice"), and that notice shall:
[1]
Identify with specificity each immediate hazard to life or health
that is the basis for the determination or the posting of the notice;
[2]
Identify the date on which the notice was posted on the structure
(the "posting date");
[3]
Identify all conditions that must be repaired, remedied or corrected,
the date by which each condition must be repaired, remedied or corrected,
and each and every penalty for failure to repair, remedy or correct
each condition;
[4]
State that any owner, tenant or occupant of the structure may
challenge the determination by requesting a hearing before the Village
Board of Trustees (the "hearing"), so long as the hearing is requested
no later than 4:00 p.m. on the third day after the notice is posted
and dated if served in person on the Bath Village Clerk, or 5:00 p.m.
on the third day after the notice is posted and dated if served by
facsimile or email on the Bath Village Clerk; state that the written
request for the hearing may be delivered by hand, facsimile or email
to the Bath Village Clerk; identify the address, facsimile number
and email address for service of such request; and shall state that
a request for hearing shall identify the address, telephone number(s)
and email address, if any, of the person requesting the hearing and
the reasons or grounds for the appeal.
[Amended 2-21-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
(b)
In addition to posting the notice on the structure, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall provide the notice to all tenants or occupants
of the structure by either affixing the notice to the door of each
unit in the structure in which any tenant or occupant may reside or
placing the notice under the door of each such unit; make an attempt
to hand-deliver a copy of the notice to any person who is present
in or at the structure at the time of posting; and mail the notice
to the owner(s) of the structure on the same business day as the notice
is posted at the address listed on the tax roll for the Village of
Bath.
(2)
Mandated procedures upon posting of a notice.
(a)
The hearing will be held at the Bath Village Hall, 110 Liberty Street, Bath, New York, within five business days of the Board of Trustees' receipt of the request for the hearing, unless adjourned for good cause or the person requesting the hearing and the Board of Trustees agree otherwise. Persons requesting the hearing shall be notified of the date and time of the hearing at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing date by a notice sent to the person requesting the hearing at the address provided by said person pursuant to Subsection B(1)(a)[4] above.
(b)
If any Code Enforcement Officers explain the circumstances requiring
posting at the hearing, they shall provide any person requesting the
hearing with all available documentation or information concerning
the determination. The person requesting the hearing will be afforded
an adequate opportunity to present statements and other evidence regarding
the need for the posting and to suggest alternatives. Persons attending
the hearing may be represented by counsel.
(c)
No determination that the structure is unsafe, unfit for occupancy
or must be vacated will be confirmed unless a majority of the quorum
of Trustees present determines that it has been demonstrated that
the determination is necessary to protect owners, tenants or occupants
from an immediate threat to health or safety. Absent confirmation
by the vote of at least a simple majority of Trustees who are present
for the duration of the hearing, the determination shall be vacated.
Upon a confirmation of the determination, the Board of Trustees shall
also issue written findings and conclusions confirming, modifying,
or otherwise setting forth all conditions that must be repaired, remedied
or corrected, the date by which each condition must be repaired, remedied
or corrected, and each and every penalty for failure to repair, remedy
or correct each condition, which findings and conclusions shall be
mailed to the owner of the structure at the address provided to the
Village taxing authorities and to the person requesting the hearing
at the address provided in the request for a hearing.
[Amended 2-21-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
(d)
Neither the Village of Bath nor any of its Code Enforcement
Officers shall order or direct the removal of any personal property
from a structure to which a notice has been posted unless a Code Enforcement
Officer makes a determination that such personal property constitutes
a hazard to any owner, tenant or occupant of the structure. The Village
is not responsible for any property remaining in the structure.
(e)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection B, all occupants, tenants, landlords or their agents shall comply with any and all laws or local municipal laws or regulations, including but not limited to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Property Maintenance Code of New York State and the Code of the Village of Bath.
C.
Appearance tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each inspector
are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the
Uniform Code.
D.
Civil penalties. In addition to those penalties prescribed by state
law, any person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the
Energy Code or this chapter, or any term or condition of any building
permit, certificate of occupancy, temporary certificate, stop-work
order, operating permit or other notice or order issued by the Code
Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter, 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 subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted
in the name of the Village of Bath.
E.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the
name of the Village of Bath, 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 chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate
of occupancy, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating permit,
compliance order, or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement
Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter. In particular,
but not by way of limitation, where the construction or use of a building
or structure is in violation of any provision of the Uniform Code,
the Energy Code, this chapter, or any stop-work order, compliance
order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the Energy Code
or this chapter, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the name
of the Village of Bath, 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 subsection shall be commenced without the appropriate authorization
from the Board of Trustees of the Village of Bath.
F.
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 § 40-6, Stop-work orders, of this chapter, in any other section of this chapter, or in 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 § 40-6, Stop-work orders, of this chapter, in any other section of this chapter, 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 § 382 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 § 382 of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Board
of Trustees of the Village of Bath. 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, temporary certificates,
operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance inspections,
and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or
contemplated by this chapter.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Bath may, by resolution,
authorize the Supervisor of the Village of Bath to enter into an agreement,
in the name of the Village of Bath, with other governments to carry
out the terms of this chapter, 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.