[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Clayton 3-26-2008 by L.L. No. 2-2008. 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 this Town. 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 § 114-4 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 § 114-7B of this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 114-3B of this chapter.
Includes the Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 114-15A 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 § 114-3D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 114-10 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 § 114-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 114-7D of this chapter.
The Town of Clayton.
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, this chapter, and any other
Town of Clayton local laws which provide for administration and enforcement
by the Code Enforcement Officer. 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 or 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 or certificates of compliance, temporary certificates
and operating permits, and to include in building permits, certificates
of occupancy or 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 or certificates of compliance,
temporary certificates and operating permits, firesafety and property
maintenance inspections, inspections incidental to the investigation
of complaints, continued inspections to make sure that buildings,
structures and operations continue to comply with the stipulations
and conditions under which the permits were issued; 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;
(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 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 Clayton 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, 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 chapter.
D.
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 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 Town Board of the Town of
Clayton.
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)
Construction documents.
(a)
At least two hard copy sets of construction documents (drawings and/or
specifications) which:
[1]
Define the scope of the proposed work;
[2]
Are prepared by a New York State registered architect or licensed
professional engineer where so required by the Education Law;
[3]
Indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature and extent
of the work proposed;
[4]
Substantiate that the proposed work will comply with the Uniform
Code and the Energy Code; and
[5]
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.
(b)
In addition, an electronic version on CD in Auto CAD format for plans
and Microsoft Word for the specifications that may be required. If
not provided, an additional fee will be charged per page to have the
documents scanned and converted.
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.
B.
Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall be in writing,
be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, state the reason
or reasons for issuance, and, if applicable, state the conditions
which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.
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 registered and certified mail,
return receipt requested. 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 and certified mail, return receipt requested;
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 § 114-15, 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 or certificates of compliance required.
A certificate of occupancy or 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 subclassification to another.
In addition, a certificate of compliance will be deemed required under
this chapter when required by the provision of any Town of Clayton
local law. 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 certificates of occupancy or
certificates of compliance.
B.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy
or certificate of compliance 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 or any other applicable
law or regulation 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, Energy Code or other applicable law or regulation.
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 certificates of occupancy or certificates
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 certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance, shall
be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance
of the certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance:
C.
Contents of certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance.
A certificates of occupancy or certificates 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 certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance is
not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion
of the structure for which the certificates of occupancy or certificates
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 certificates
of occupancy or certificates of compliance 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 certificates of occupancy or certificates
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.
The chief of any fire department providing firefighting 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.
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified
and addressed in accordance with the following procedures:
A.
Emergency work or demolition.
(1)
In the case that there shall be, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement
Officer, actual and immediate danger of the falling of a building
or structure so as to endanger public safety, life or property or
actual or immediate menace to health or public welfare as a result
of the conditions present in or about a building or structure, such
person shall cause the necessary work or demolition and removal to
be done to render such building or structure safe.
(2)
When emergency work or demolition and removal is to be performed
under this section, the Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the owner
thereof to be served personally or by registered and certified mail,
return receipt requested, and if served by registered and certified
mail, return receipt requested, shall post on the premises a notice
to comply containing a description of the premises, a statement of
facts in which the structure is unsafe or dangerous and orders and
directions to correct the conditions which constitute an emergency
within a specified period not to exceed three days from actual or
constructive receipt of the notice.
(3)
In the event that the emergency does not permit any delay, the Town
and/or its designees shall correct or demolish and remove the building
or structure and notice shall state that the Town has corrected or
demolished and removed the emergency condition.
(4)
In each case, the notice shall state that the corrective and/or demolition
and removal costs of the emergency will be assessed against the owner's
property pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Demolition and removal or repair by owner.
(1)
Upon the making of a written report by the Code Enforcement Officer
that the building or structure is unsafe or dangerous to the public,
the Code Enforcement Officer shall serve a notice upon the owner and
all other persons having an interest in such property or structure
as appearing in the real property records at the Jefferson County
Clerk's Office, either personally or by registered and certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressed to their last known addresses
as shown by the records of the Town Assessor and/or in the office
of the County Clerk, containing a description of the premises, a statement
of particulars in which the building or structure is unsafe or dangerous
and an order of the Code Enforcement Officer requiring the same to
be repaired or demolished and removed. If such service is made by
registered and certified mail, return receipt requested, the notice
shall also be posted on the premises.
(2)
Such owner so served shall commence the repair or demolition and
removal of such building or structure within 30 days after service
of such notice, and shall complete the same within the time specified
in such notice.
(3)
At any time prior to the expiration of 30 days following service of the notice provided in Subsection B(1), the owner may request a hearing before the Town Board to consider the validity of the determination made by the Code Enforcement Officer.
(4)
At the hearing, the owner, the Town and any other interested parties
may present witnesses and any other proof relating to the matter,
and all parties may appear in person or with their attorneys.
(5)
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Town Board shall make a determination,
in writing, and a copy of the same shall be served either personally
or by registered and certified mail, return receipt requested, to
all parties who appear therein.
(6)
The determination shall state whether the original report is sustained,
modified, or reversed. If reversed, no further proceeding shall be
held.
(7)
If the original report is sustained, in whole or in part, the Town
Board shall also include an order directing the owner to proceed in
accordance therewith and shall further specify that unless the work
is commenced within 10 days after service and completed within a reasonable
time thereafter, which the Town Board shall designate, the penalties
hereinafter provided shall be invoked.
(8)
The notice from the Code Enforcement Officer under Subsection B(1) of this section shall be filed in the office of the Jefferson County Clerk, in the same manner as the notice of pendency, pursuant to Article 65 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Such a notice so filed shall be effective for a period of one year from the date of filing. However, said notice may be vacated upon the order of a judge or justice of a court of record or upon the consensus of the Town Attorney.
C.
Removal or repair by Town; recovery of costs.
(1)
Upon notification that the owner of an unsafe building or structure
has failed or refused to repair or demolish and remove the unsafe
building or structure within the time specified in the final order,
the Code Enforcement Officer shall report the same to the Town Supervisor.
The Town Supervisor may direct that the Town shall cause the repair
or demolition and removal of the unsafe building. The Town, in its
discretion, may undertake to do the authorized work with its own personnel
or hire a private contractor to complete said work. After the work
has been completed, the Code Enforcement Officer shall file with the
Town Finance Officer a verified statement of all of the direct costs
of the same, together with a charge of $2,000, in addition thereto,
as reimbursement to the Town for administrating, supervising and handling
said work. Said administrative surcharge of $2,000 shall be added
to the direct cost, whether Town personnel or a private contractor
was used to do the subject work.
(2)
Upon receipt of the verified statement, the Town Finance Officer
shall direct that the amount thereof, including the charges added
thereto, shall constitute a lien against the premises and direct that
the same shall be added to the next assessment roll of general Town
taxes and shall be collected and enforced in the same manner, by the
same proceedings, at the same time, and under the same penalties as
the general Town tax and as a part thereof. In addition thereto, interest
shall run thereon from the date of filing the verified statement to
the date of actual payment at 1% per month.
(3)
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Town may,
at its election, institute suit against the owner of the premises
for the direct costs, together with a surcharge of $2,000, in addition
thereto, as compensation to the Town for administering, supervising
and handling said work and enter judgment thereon against the owner
personally for the aforesaid amount. The imposition and collection
of any fine or penalty hereinafter prescribed shall not bar the right
of the Town to collect the costs of the demolition and removal or
repair of any unsafe building or structure as herein prescribed.
D.
Transfer of title. The transfer of title by the owner of premises
upon which an unsafe building or structure is located shall be no
defense to any proceedings under this chapter.
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;
(e)
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial
potential hazard to public safety, as determined by the Code Enforcement
Officer; and
(f)
Any other uses tied to any Town of Clayton local law.
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 or
other applicable law or regulation. 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 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
of such application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
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, or other applicable law or regulation, 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 three years.
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 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.
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 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 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:
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 § 114-15, 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 or 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;
(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 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 § 114-13, 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 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.
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 this Town is required
to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics and other
information and accounts of the activities of this Town 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 registered and certified mail, return receipt requested. 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 and certified mail, return receipt requested; 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 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, certificates of occupancy or certificates 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 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 subdivision shall be recoverable
in an action instituted in the name of this Town.
D.
Injunctive 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 chapter,
or any term or condition of any building permit, certificates of occupancy
or certificates of compliance, 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 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 subsection shall be commenced without the appropriate
authorization from the Town Board of this Town.
E.
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 § 114-6, 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 § 114-6, 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 § 382, Subdivision 2, 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 § 382, Subdivision 2, of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Clayton
Town Board. 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 or certificates of compliance, 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 Town Board of this Town may, by resolution, authorize the
Town 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
chapter, provided that such agreement does not violate any provision
of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, of 19 NYCRR Part 1203, or any
other applicable law.
If any section of this chapter 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
chapter.
This chapter shall take effect on May 1, 2008, following the
filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State in accordance
with § 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.