The failure of property owners to address violations of the
City Code, the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes, and other
City, state and federal laws and regulations in a timely and effective
manner is an immediate and serious threat to the public health, safety
and welfare. For a municipality, the expenditure of public funds and
resources to correct violations is a major impediment to effective
enforcement. In instances where a property owner is difficult or impossible
to locate, or is unresponsive to communications from City officials,
the recovery of the costs to the public of correcting the violation
is often difficult and time-consuming. This chapter provides procedures
by which City Code Enforcement Officers may, upon due process and
notice, recover the costs of summary abatement of code violations.
The provisions of this chapter shall supplement local laws,
codes or regulations existing in the City of Saratoga Springs and
the other statutes and regulations of municipal authorities having
jurisdiction applicable thereto. Where a provision of this chapter
is found to be in conflict with any provision of a local law, ordinance,
code or regulation, the provision or requirement which is more restrictive
or which establishes the higher standard shall prevail.