[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Lowville 2-11-1982 (Ch. 99 of
the 1994 Code); amended in its entirety 12-28-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
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) in the Town of Lowville. 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 this
chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A permit issued pursuant to § 118-4 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 § 118-7B of this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 118-3B of this chapter.
Includes the Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 118-14A 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 § 118-3D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 118-9 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 § 118-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 118-7D of this chapter.
The Town of Lowville.
The Town Board of the Town of Lowville.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code,
as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
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 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 Town Board of this Town of Lowville;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with the Town 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 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 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, the Town Supervisor, shall have the power,
with the consent of the Town Board, to designate an individual 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.
The Town Supervisor, with the consent of the Town Board, may appoint
one or more building inspectors, as the need may appear, 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. The compensation of
such building inspectors shall be fixed by the Town Board.
E.
The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and inspectors
shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board of the Town of
Lowville.
F.
The provisions of Town Law § 23 and Public Officers Law
§ 3, requiring a person to be a resident of the political
subdivision or municipal corporation of the state for which he shall
be chosen or within which his official functions are required to be
exercised, shall not prevent a person from holding the office of Code
Enforcement Officer or Town Building Inspector of the Town of Lowville,
provided that such person resides in the county in which such Town
is located or an adjoining county within the state of New York within
one month of the date of appointment.
G.
Neither the Code Enforcement Officer nor any inspector shall engage
in any activity inconsistent with his or her duties or with the interests
of the Town of Lowville hereunder; nor shall he or she, during the
term of his or her employment, be engaged directly or indirectly in
any building business, in the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances
for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building or the
preparation of plans of specifications thereof within the Town of
Lowville, excepting that this provision shall not prohibit any such
individual from such activities in connection with the construction
of a building or structure owned by him or her or any member of his
or her immediate family, and not constructed for sale.
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 36 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 § 118-14, 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,
that 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.
(1)
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:
(a)
That the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered
by the temporary certificate, may be occupied safely;
(b)
That any fire and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment
which has been installed is operational; and
(c)
That all required means of egress from the building or structure
have been provided.
(2)
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, 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 this County of Lewis shall promptly notify the
Code Enforcement Officer of any fire or explosion involving any structural
damage, solid fuel-burning appliance, chimney or gas vent.
A.
Operation 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 resolution adopted
by the Town Board of this Town of Lowville.
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 36 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 firesafety 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 all
written complaints received by the Office of Code Enforcement 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 Code Enforcement Officer
may investigate verbal complaints which allege or assert the existence
of such violation(s), provided that such investigation(s), if any,
shall be conducted solely at his or her discretion. The process for
responding to a written 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 § 118-14, 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 written 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 Town Supervisor and the Town Board of the Town of Lowville, 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 § 118-12, 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 this Town of Lowville, on a form prescribed
by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of this Town
of Lowville 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 Town of Lowville
is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics
and other information and accounts of the activities of the Town of
Lowville in connection with administration and enforcement of the
Uniform Code.
A.
Compliance orders.
(1)
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 chapter. 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;
(b)
Be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer;
(c)
Specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform
Code, the Energy 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 compliance order, or
a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property
personally or by certified 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 certified mail; provided, however,
that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall
not affect the efficacy of the compliance order.
B.
Appearance tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each inspector
are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the
Uniform Code.
C.
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 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 Town of Lowville.
D.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the
name of the Town of Lowville, 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 Town of Lowville, 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 Supervisor of the Town of the Town of Lowville.
E.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy 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 § 118-6, 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 § 118-6, 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 Town
Board of the Town of Lowville.[1] 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.
[1]
Editor's Note: The current fee schedule is on file in the
Town offices.
The Town Board of the Town of Lowville may, by resolution, authorize
the Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Lowville to enter into
an agreement, in the name of this Town of Lowville, 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.
