Town of Lansing, NY Building Codes

Words in the singular or with gendered references shall be interpreted in the plural or other gendered or non-gendered form when required by usage or context.

Any reference herein to a statute, regulation, code, section, or similar rule or law shall be construed to mean that statute, regulation, code, section, or similar rule or law as written when this chapter was adopted, as well as such statute, regulation, code, section, or similar rule or law as the same may have been thereafter amended, replaced, or recodified, each as the context and situation thereof may so admit, require, or demand.

Any provision herein that requires a signature of a Town officer or employee shall be deemed met or complied with regardless of whether such signature is electronically made or holographic (original, such as in ink or a "wet" signature), and a photocopy or accurate reproduction thereof, or of any verification or certification thereof, shall have the same force and effect as an original signature, including relative to legal process and admissibility of evidence requirements.

Subject matter headings shall be interpreted and construed only as matters of convenience, and such titles or headings shall not be interpreted or used to limit or define the text and references appearing thereunder.

§ 108-3 Code Enforcement Officer and Inspectors.

Offices and authority. The Office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby confirmed, and the duties and authorities of such office are updated, expanded, and authorized in accordance with this chapter. 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:

To receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications for building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits, and the plans, specifications, and construction documents submitted with such applications;

Upon approval of such applications, to issue building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits, and to include in terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine to be appropriate building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits;

To conduct construction inspections; inspections to be made prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates of occupancy, and operating permits; fire safety and property maintenance inspections; inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints; and all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this chapter;

To issue stop- work-orders;

To review and investigate complaints;

To issue orders pursuant to § 108-17A, Violations, of this chapter;

To maintain records;

To collect fees as set by the Town Board;

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.

Appointment and residency rules. 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 (or have a suitable amount of time training with or being mentored by an experienced CEO, as determined by the Town) 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 Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder. A Code Enforcement Officer may be hired by contract as a consultant or consulting Code Enforcement Officer, and the Public Officers Law (e.g., § 3) and Town Law (e.g., §§ 20, 23 and 138), to the extent such require a Code Enforcement Officer to be a resident or elector of the Town, be and hereby are superseded and a Code Enforcement Officer may be a resident of the Town, or a resident of Tompkins County or any adjoining county.

Acting code enforcement officers. In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable to serve as such for any reason, another 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 their appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.

Inspectors. 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 Department of State pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Remuneration for code enforcement officers and inspectors. The compensation for each Code Enforcement Officer, any acting Code Enforcement Officer, and all Inspectors shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board.

§ 108-4 Building permits.

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 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 Town.

Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories:

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;

Construction of temporary sets and scenery associated with motion picture, television, and theater uses;

Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses);

Installation of partitions or movable cases less than five feet nine inches in height;

Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work;

Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;

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

Repairs, provided that the work does not have an impact on fire and life safety, such as i) any part of the structural system; ii) the required means of egress; or iii) the fire protection system or the removal from service of any part of the fire protection system for any period of time.

Exemption not an authorization for 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. Nor does any exemption, or claimed exemption, prevent, or estop a Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector from having the right to view or inspect any work or changes to any site or structure.

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:

A description of the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed work;

The tax map number and the street address of any affected building or structure;

The occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;

Where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and

At least two sets of construction documents and a PDF copy (drawings and specifications printed at a minimum size of 24 inches by 36 inches) which:

Describe the location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed work;

Show that the proposed work will conform to the applicable provisions of the Codes;

Show the location, construction, size, and character of all portions of the means of egress;

(d)

Show a representation of the building thermal envelope;

(e)

Show structural information including but not limited to braced wall designs, the size, section, and relative locations of structural members, design loads, and other pertinent structural information;

(f)

Show the proposed structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and other service systems of the building;

(g)

Include a written statement indicating compliance with the Energy Code;

(h)

Include a site plan, drawn to scale and drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary survey, showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures and appurtenances on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and

(i)

Evidence that the documents were prepared by a licensed and registered architect in accordance with Article 147 of the New York State Education Law or a licensed and registered professional engineer in accordance with Article 145 of the New York State Education Law and practice guidelines, including but not limited to the design professional's seal which clearly and legibly shows both the design professional's name and license number and is signed by the design professional whose name appears on the seal in such a manner that neither the name nor the number is obscured in any way, the design professional's registration expiration date, the design professional's firm name (if not a sole practitioner), and, if the documents are submitted by a professional engineering firm and not a sole practitioner professional engineer, the firm's certificate of authorization number.

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, or in the case of electronic media, an electronic marking. 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.

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. Building permits shall not be issued in relation to projects or properties with open violations, or which are subject to an order to remedy, unless the permit cures the violations or deficiencies noted.

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.

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.

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 subdivision may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer. Building permits may be issued for a total life of three years. If work continues for a duration over three years, a new building permit application shall be submitted with supporting documentation to show compliance to the most current Uniform Code.

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 1) all work then completed is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code and 2) all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code.

Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 108-17.1 Fees, of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a building permit, for an amended building permit, or for renewal of a building permit. Such term also includes all other applicable fees set forth in any fee schedule approved by the town board, including but not limited to inspection and reinspection fees.

§ 108-5 Construction inspections.

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.

Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable:

Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;

Footing and foundation;

Preparation for concrete slab;

Framing;

Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and other similar service systems of the building;

Fire-resistant construction;

Fire-resistant penetrations;

Solid fuel burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues, or gas vents;

Inspections required to demonstrate Energy Code compliance, including but not limited to insulation, fenestration, air leakage, system controls, mechanical equipment size, and, where required, minimum fan efficiencies, programmable thermostats, energy recovery, whole-house ventilation, plumbing heat traps, and high-performance lighting and controls;

(10)

Installation, connection, and assembly of factor manufactured buildings and manufactured homes; and

(11)

A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed.

Remote inspections. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized to perform construction inspections, a remote inspection may be performed in lieu of an in-person inspection when, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or by such authorized Inspector that the elements of the construction process conform with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. Should a remote inspection not afford the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall be performed.

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 the manner in which the work fails to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code, including a citation to the specific code provision or provisions that have not been met. 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.

Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 108-17.1, Fees of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time of each inspection performed pursuant to this section.

§ 108-6 Stop-work orders.

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:

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

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

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.

Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall 1) be in writing, 2) be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer, 3) state the reason or reasons for issuance, and 4) if applicable, state the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted to resume.

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 or certified mail at the address set forth in the building permit or as listed by the Assessment Department for such landowner(s). If any person or entity has consented to receive notices and documents by email or facsimile, such shall also be deemed proper service hereunder. 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 or certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the stop-work order. Whenever there is cause to believe that service by registered or certified mail has not provided actual notice of the order or notice, the Town and the Code Enforcement Officer shall undertake effecting personal service in a manner as is sufficient for service of a summons under the Civil practice Laws and Rules, including Article 3 therein.

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, other than work expressly authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer to correct the reason for issuing the stop-work order.

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 § 108-17, Violations, 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.

§ 108-7 Certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance.

Certificates of occupancy and 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 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 or certificate of compliance.

Issuance of certificates of occupancy and 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 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 or certificate 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 certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance:

A written statement of structural observations or a final report of special inspections,

Flood hazard certifications,

A written statement of the results of tests performed to show compliance with the Energy Code, and

Where applicable, the affixation of the appropriate seals, insignias, and manufacturer's data plates as required for factory manufactured buildings or manufactured homes.

Contents of certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance shall contain the following information:

The building permit number, if any;

The date of issuance of the building permit, if any;

The name (if any), address and tax map number of the property;

If the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is issued;

The use and occupancy classification of the structure;

The type of construction of the structure;

The occupant load of the assembly areas in the structure, if any;

Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the building permit; and

The signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.

Temporary certificate of occupancy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy 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 of occupancy unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines 1) that the building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate of occupancy, may be occupied safely, 2) that any required fire and life safety components, such as fire protection equipment and fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat detectors and alarms are installed and operational, and 3) that all required means of egress from the structure have been provided. The Code Enforcement Officer may include in a temporary certificate of occupancy such terms and conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure the health and safety of the persons occupying and using the building or structure or performing further construction work in the building or structure. A temporary certificate of occupancy shall be effective for a period of time up to but not to exceed 90 days, as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the temporary certificate of occupancy. During the specified period of effectiveness of the temporary certificate of occupancy, 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. A temporary certificate of occupancy may be renewed upon payment of the fee referenced below, but the decision to grant or deny a renewal of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be made in the sole discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without recourse, and regardless of whether any grounds for revocation or suspension exist.

Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy, Certification of compliance, or a temporary certificate of occupancy was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect 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.

Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 108-17.1, Fees, of this chapter must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, or for temporary certificate of occupancy.

§ 108-8 Notification regarding fire or explosion.

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.

§ 108-9 Unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminent danger.

Unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminent danger in this Town shall be identified and addressed in accordance the Town of Lansing Local Law #1 of 2011 and General Municipal Law § 78-b, or otherwise in accord with applicable law.

§ 108-10 Operating permits.

Operating permits required. Operating permits shall be required for conducting any process or activity or for operating any type of building, structure, or facility listed below:

Manufacturing, storing, or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in the applicable maximum allowable quantity tables found in Chapter 50 of the FCNYS;

Buildings, structures, facilities, processes, or activities that are within the scope or permit requirements of the chapter or section title of the FCNYS as follows:

Chapter 22, "Combustible Dust-Producing Operations." Facilities where the operation produces combustible dust;

Chapter 24, "Flammable Finishes." Operations utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24 of the FCNYS;

Chapter 25, "Fruit and Crop Ripening." Operating a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conducting a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas;

(d)

Chapter 26, "Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging." Conducting fumigation or insecticidal fogging operations in buildings, structures, and spaces, except for fumigation or insecticidal fogging performed by the occupant of a detached one-family dwelling;

(e)

Chapter 31, "Tents, temporary Special Event Structures, and Other Membrane Structures." Operating an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure, or a tent where approval is required pursuant to Chapter 31 of the FCNYS;

(f)

Chapter 32, "High-Piled Combustible Storage." High-piled combustible storage facilities with more than 500 square feet (including aisles) of high-piled storage;

(g)

Chapter 34, "Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage." Operating a facility that stores in excess of 2,500 cubic feet of scrap tires or tire byproducts or operating a tire rebuilding plant;

(h)

Chapter 35, "Welding and Other Hot Work." Performing public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted, use of hot work, welding, or cutting equipment, inside or on a structure, except an operating permit is not required where work is conducted under the authorization of a building permit or where performed by the occupant of a detached one- or two-family dwelling;

(i)

Chapter 40, "Sugarhouse Alternative Activity Provisions." Conducting an alternative activity at a sugarhouse;

(j)

Chapter 56, "Explosives and Fireworks." Possessing, manufacturing, storing, handling, selling, or using, explosives, fireworks, or other pyrotechnic special effects materials except the outdoor use of sparkling devices as defined by Penal Law § 270;

(k)

Section 307, "Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces." Conducting open burning, not including recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces;

(l)

Section 308, "Open Flames." Removing paint with a torch, or using open flames, fire, and burning in connection with assembly areas or educational occupancies; and

(m)

Section 319, "Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles." Operating a mobile food preparation vehicle in accordance with the permitting requirements established by any applicable code, local law, ordinance, or health department regulations, each as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.

Energy storage systems, where the system exceeds the values shown in Table 1206.1 of the FCNYS or exceeds the permitted aggregate ratings in § R327.5 of the RCNYS;

Buildings containing one or more assembly areas;

Outdoor events where the planned attendance exceeds 1,000 persons;

Facilities that store, handle, or use hazardous production materials;

Parking garages as defined in § 108-13A of this chapter;

Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution adopted by the Town Board; and

Other processes or activities or for operating any type of building, structure, or facility as determined by resolution adopted by the Town Board. Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate any type of building listed in this Subsection A shall be required to obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.

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.

Exemptions. Operating permits shall not be required for processes or activities, or the buildings, structures, or facilities listed in § 108-10A(1) through (7) of this section, provided that the use is expressly authorized by a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, fire safety and property maintenance inspections are performed in accordance with § 108-11, Fire safety and property maintenance inspections, of this chapter, and condition assessments are performed in compliance with § 108-13, Condition assessments of parking garages, of this chapter, as applicable.

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. Such inspections shall be performed either in-person or remotely. Remote inspections in lieu of in-person inspections may be performed when, at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or an Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer that the premises conform with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and the code enforcement program. Should a remote inspection not afford the Town sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall be performed. After inspection, the premises shall be noted as satisfactory and the operating permit shall be issued, or the operating permit holder shall be notified as to the manner in which the premises fail to comply with either or both of the Uniform Code and the code enforcement program, including a citation to the specific provision or provisions that have not been met.

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 its discretion, issue single operating permit to apply to all such activities.

Duration of operating permits.

Operating permits shall be issued for a specified period of time in the discretion of the Code Enforcement officer, including as may be consistent with local conditions, but in no event to exceed as follows:

One hundred twenty days for tents, special event structures, and other membrane structures;

Sixty days for alternative activities at a sugarhouse;

Three years for the activities, structures, and operations determined per Subsection A(9) of this section, and

(d)

One year for all other activities, structures, and operations identified in Subsection A of this section.

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.

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.

Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 108-17.1, Fees, of this chapter must be paid at the time submission of an application for an operating permit, for an amended operating permit, or for reissue or renewal of an operating permit.

§ 108-11 Fire safety and property maintenance inspections.

Inspections required. Fire safety 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:

At least once every 12 months for buildings which contain an assembly area;

At least once every 12 months for public and private schools and colleges, including any buildings of such schools or colleges containing classrooms, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, laboratories, physical education, dining, or recreational facilities; and

At least once every 36 months for multiple dwellings and all nonresidential occupancies.

Remote inspections. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections, a remote inspection may be performed in lieu of in-person inspections when, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector, the remote inspection can be performed to the same level and quality as an in-person inspection and the remote inspection shows to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector that the premises conform with the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and the publications incorporated therein by reference and the applicable provisions of 19 NYCRR Part 1226 and the publications incorporated therein by reference. Should a remote inspection not afford the Code Enforcement Officer or such authorized Inspector sufficient information to make a determination, an in-person inspection shall be performed.

Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a fire safety 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 authorized to perform fire safety and property maintenance inspections 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.

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 or other authorized entity under Executive Law § 156-e and Education Law § 807-b. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, the Code Enforcement Officer may accept an inspection performed by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control or other authorized entity pursuant to §§ 807-a and 807-b of the Education Law or § 156-e of the Executive Law, in lieu of a fire safety and property maintenance inspection performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an Inspector, provided that:

The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that the individual performing such inspection satisfies the requirements set forth in 19 NYCRR § 1203.2(e);

The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that such inspection covers all elements required to be covered by a fire safety and property maintenance inspection;

Such inspections are performed no less frequently than once a year;

A true and complete copy of the report of each such inspection is provided to the Code Enforcement Officer; and

Upon receipt of each such report, the Code Enforcement Officer takes the appropriate action prescribed by § 108-17, Violations, of this chapter.

Fees. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 108-18, Fees, of this chapter must be paid prior to or at the time each inspection performed pursuant to this section. This subdivision shall not apply to inspections performed that meet the requirements of Subsection D of this section.

§ 108-12 Complaints.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and, when warranted, investigate written Complaints[1] 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, ordinance, code, rule, 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, along with such other actions and reviews, as the Code Enforcement Officer may deem to be appropriate:

Making telephonic inquiries from involved parties, or performing an inspection of the conditions and activities alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;

If a violation is found to exist, then providing the owner of the affected property (and any other person who may be responsible for the violation) with notice of the violation and, in most cases, an opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceed in a manner that promotes resolving the violation(s) in a manner approved by the Code Enforcement Officer, or otherwise proceeding in the manner described in § 108-17, Violations of this chapter;

If appropriate, revoking operating or building permits, issuing a stop-work order, a notice of violation, an order to remedy, or other enforcement action, including the filing of charges;

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 and as proper procedures may require.

Nothing in this section mandates an opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation when the Code Enforcement Officer determines that there exists an emergency, an imminent hazard to life or property, or that the violation is intentional or a repeated or recurring violation or act of non-compliance.

[1]

Editor's Note: "Complaints" unintentionally omitted due to scrivener's error. It is included herein upon direction of the Town.

§ 108-13 Condition assessments of parking garages.

Definitions. For the purposes of this section:

CONDITION ASSESSMENT

An on-site inspection and evaluation of a parking garage for evidence of deterioration of any structural element or building component of such parking garage, evidence of the existence of any unsafe condition in such parking garage, and evidence indicating that such parking garage is an unsafe structure.

DETERIORATION

The weakening, disintegration, corrosion, rust, or decay of any structural element or building component, or any other loss of effectiveness of a structural element or building component.

PARKING GARAGE

Any building or structure, or part thereof, in which all or any part of any structural level or levels is used for parking or storage of motor vehicles, excluding:

Buildings in which the only level used for parking or storage of motor vehicles is on grade;

An attached or accessory structure providing parking exclusively for a detached one- or two-family dwelling; and

RESPONSIBLE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

A townhouse unit with attached parking exclusively for such unit.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

An individual who is licensed or otherwise authorized under Article 145 of the Education Law to practice the profession of engineering in the State of New York and who has at least three years of experience performing structural evaluations.

The professional engineer who performs a condition assessment, or under whose supervision a condition assessment is performed, and who seals and signs the condition assessment report. The use of the term "responsible professional engineer" shall not be construed as limiting the professional responsibility or liability of any professional engineer, or of any other licensed professional, who participates in the preparation of a condition assessment without being the responsible professional engineer for such condition assessment.

UNSAFE CONDITION

Includes the conditions identified as "unsafe" in § 304.1.1, § 305.1.1, and § 306.1.1 of the PMCNYS.

UNSAFE STRUCTURE

A structure that is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, or structurally unsafe, or is of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible.

Condition assessments - general requirements. The owner operator of each parking garage shall cause such parking garage to undergo an initial condition assessment as described in Subsection C of this section, periodic condition assessments as described in Subsection D of this section, and such additional condition assessments as may be required under Subsection E of this section. Each condition assessment shall be conducted by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer. A written report of each condition assessment shall be prepared, and provided to the Town, in accordance with the requirements of Subsection F of this section. Before performing a condition assessment (other than the initial condition assessment) of a parking garage, the responsible professional engineer for such condition assessment shall review all available previous condition assessment reports for such parking garage.

Initial condition assessment. Each parking garage shall undergo an initial condition assessment as follows:

Parking garages constructed on or after August 29, 2018, shall undergo an initial condition assessment following construction and prior to a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance being issued for the structure.

Parking garages constructed prior to August 29, 2018, shall undergo an initial condition assessment as follows:

If originally constructed prior to January 1, 1984, then prior to October 1, 2019;

If originally constructed between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 2002, then prior to October 1, 2020; and

If originally constructed between January 1, 2003, and August 28, 2018, then prior to October 1, 2021.

Any parking garage constructed prior to the effective date of the local law enacting this provision that has not undergone an initial condition assessment prior to that effective date shall undergo an initial condition assessment prior to January 1, 2023.

Periodic condition assessments. Following the initial condition assessment of a parking garage, such parking garage shall undergo periodic condition assessments at intervals not to exceed three years.

Additional condition assessments.

If the latest condition assessment report for a parking garage includes a recommendation by the responsible professional engineer that an additional condition assessment of such parking garage, or any portion of such parking garage, be performed before the date by which the next periodic condition assessment would be required under Subsection C of this section, the owner or operator of such parking garage shall cause such parking garage (or, if applicable, the portion of such parking garage identified by the responsible professional engineer) to undergo an additional condition assessment no later than the date recommended in such condition assessment report.

If the Town becomes aware of any new or increased deterioration which, in the judgment of the Town, indicates that an additional condition assessment of the entire parking garage, or of the portion of the parking garage affected by such new or increased deterioration, should be performed before the date by which the next periodic condition assessment would be required under Subsection C of this section, the owner or operator of such parking garage shall cause such parking garage (or, if applicable, the portion of the parking garage affected by such new or increased deterioration) to undergo an additional condition assessment no later than the date determined by the Town to be appropriate.

Condition assessment reports. The responsible professional engineer shall prepare, or directly supervise the preparation of, a written report of each condition assessment, and shall submit such condition assessment report to the Town at least 90 days before the date such is due under Subsection C and D of this section, and within 45 days of the date of any special assessment required under Subsection E of this section. Such condition assessment report shall be sealed and signed by the responsible professional engineer, and shall include:

An evaluation and description of the extent of deterioration and conditions that cause deterioration that could result in an unsafe condition or unsafe structure;

An evaluation and description of the extent of deterioration and conditions that cause deterioration that, in the opinion of the responsible professional engineer, should be remedied immediately to prevent an unsafe condition or unsafe structure;

An evaluation and description of the unsafe conditions;

An evaluation and description of the problems associated with the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe conditions;

An evaluation and description of the corrective options available, including the recommended timeframe for remedying the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe conditions;

An evaluation and description of the risks associated with not addressing the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe conditions;

The responsible professional engineer's recommendation regarding preventative maintenance;

Except in the case of the report of the initial condition assessment, the responsible professional engineer's attestation that he or she reviewed all previously prepared condition assessment reports available for such parking garage, and considered the information in the previously prepared reports while performing the current condition assessment and while preparing the current report; and

The responsible professional engineer's recommendation regarding the time within which the next condition assessment of the parking garage or portion thereof should be performed. In making the recommendation regarding the time within which the next condition assessment of the parking garage or portion thereof should be performed, the responsible professional engineer shall consider the parking garage's age, maintenance history, structural condition, construction materials, frequency and intensity of use, location, exposure to the elements, and any other factors deemed relevant by the responsible professional engineer in their professional judgment.

Review condition assessment reports. The Town shall take such enforcement action or actions in response to the information in such condition assessment report as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the public from the hazards that may result from the conditions described in such report. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the Town shall, by order to remedy or such other means of enforcement as the Town may deem appropriate, require the owner or operator of the parking garage to repair or otherwise remedy all deterioration, all conditions that cause deterioration, and all unsafe conditions identified in such condition assessment report pursuant to Subsection F(2) and (3). All repairs and remedies shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Code. This section shall not limit or impair the right of the Town to take any other enforcement action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of a parking garage's operating permit, as may be necessary or appropriate in response to the information in a condition assessment report.

Records retention. The Town shall retain all condition assessment reports for the life of the parking garage. Upon request by a professional engineer who has been engaged to perform a condition assessment of a parking garage, and who provides the Town with a written statement attesting to the fact that he or she has been so engaged, the Town shall make the previously prepared condition assessment reports for such parking garage (or copies of such reports) available to such professional engineer. The Town shall be permitted to require the owner or operator of the subject parking garage to pay all costs and expenses associated with making such previously prepared condition assessment reports (or copies thereof) available to the professional engineer.

No limitations. This section shall not limit or impair the right or the obligation of the Town:

To perform such construction inspections as are required by § 108-5, Construction inspections of this chapter;

To perform such periodic fire safety and property maintenance inspections as are required by § 108-11, Fire safety and property maintenance inspections, of this chapter; or

To take such enforcement action or actions as may be necessary or appropriate to respond to any condition that comes to the attention of the Town by means of its own inspections or observations, by means of a complaint, or by any other means other than a condition assessment or a report of a condition assessment.

§ 108-14 Climatic and geographic design criteria.

Special rules for inspections, permits and certificates. The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine the climatic and geographic design criteria for buildings and structures constructed within this Town as required by the Uniform Code. Such determinations shall be made in the manner specified in the Uniform Code using, where applicable, the maps, charts, and other information provided in the Uniform Code. The criteria to be so determined shall include but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following:

Design criteria to include ground snow load; wind design loads; seismic category; potential damage from weathering, frost, and termite; winter design temperature; whether ice barrier underlayment is required; the air freezing index; and the mean annual temperature;

Heating and cooling equipment design criteria for structures within the scope of the RCNYS. The design criteria shall include the data identified in the Design Criteria Table found in Chapter 3 of the RCNYS; and

Flood hazard areas, flood hazard maps, and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, special flood hazard areas as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Flood Insurance Study for the community, as amended or revised with:

The accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM);

Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM); and

Related supporting data along with any revisions thereto.

Records of design criteria. The Code Enforcement Officer shall prepare a written record of the climatic and geographic design criteria determined pursuant to Subsection A of this section, shall maintain such record within the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, and shall make such record readily available to the public.

§ 108-15 Recordkeeping.

Recordkeeping. The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official records of all transactions and activities conducted by all Code Enforcement personnel, including records of:

All applications received, reviewed, and approved or denied;

All plans, specifications and construction documents approved;

All building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, stop-work orders, and operating permits issued;

All inspections and tests performed;

All statements and reports issued;

All complaints received;

All investigations conducted;

All condition assessment reports received;

All fees charged and collected; and

(10)

All other features and activities specified in or contemplated by §§ 108-4 through 108-14, inclusive, of this chapter.

Inspections and foil. 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 regulations. Document search, review, reproduction, and delivery requests shall follow the rules of the Freedom of Information Law (Article 6 of the New York Public Officers Law).

State Finance Law reporting. The Town Clerk shall, upon written request on a form prescribed by the Town Clerk, provide to the New York State Department of State, in accordance with and to the extent required by the New York State Freedom of Information Law, the following: true and complete copies of the records and related materials this the Town is required to maintain; true and complete copies of such portion of such records and related materials as may be requested by the Department of State; and/or such excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics, and other information and accounts of its activities in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code, and/or Energy Code the ECCCNYS, and/or the ECS as may be requested by the Department of State. The Code Enforcement Officer shall, after monies have been provided to this Town (annually) pursuant to Article 4-A of New York Consolidated Laws, State Finance Law, annually submit to the Secretary of State, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities of the Town relative to administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code.

§ 108-16 Program review and reporting.

Annual report to Town. The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Town Board 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 § 108-14, Recordkeeping, of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.

Annual report to Secretary of State. 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.

Additional requests of Department of State. The Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the New York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department of State, true and complete copies of the records and related materials this Town is required to maintain; true and complete copies of such portion of such records and related materials as may be requested by the Department of State; and such excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics, and other information and accounts of its activities in connection with administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code and Energy Code as may be requested by the Department of State.

§ 108-17 Violations.

Orders to remedy. 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. An order to remedy shall be in writing; shall be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer; shall specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter; shall specify the provision or provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter which is or are violated by the specified condition or activity; and shall include a statement substantially similar to the following:

"The person or entity served with this order to remedy must completely remedy each violation described in this order to remedy by _____ [specify date], which is 30 days after the date of this order to remedy."

The order to remedy may include provisions ordering the person or entity served with such order to remedy 1) to begin to remedy the violations described in the order to remedy immediately, or within some other specified period of time which may be more or less than 30 days; to continue diligently to remedy such violations until each such violation is fully remedied; and, in any event, to complete the remedying of all such violations within 30 days of the date of such order to remedy; and 2) to take such other protective actions (such as vacating the building or barricading the area where the violations exist) which are authorized by this chapter or by any other applicable statute, regulation, rule, local law or ordinance, and which the Code Enforcement Officer may deem appropriate, during the period while such violations are being remedied. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the order to remedy, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected property personally or by registered mail or certified mail within five days after the date of the order to remedy. The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the order to remedy, 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 mail or certified mail within five days after the date of the order to remedy; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the compliance order. A compliance notice or order issued under Executive Law § 382, and other types of notices and orders arising under other laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, and rules, including but not limited to defective condition, floodplain, and stormwater noncompliance orders and notices, are neither supplanted, abridged, nor limited by this chapter. An order to remedy may be served prior to, contemporaneously with, or subsequent to any other notice or order, and each such notice or order shall be and remain separately enforceable.

Violations and appearance tickets. Any noncompliance with or violation of the requirements of this chapter, or the requirements of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code, or any noncompliance with orders to remedy issued by the Town are violations of this chapter and, as applicable, of the relevant state codes. Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter. All procedural and venue-based provisions of New York State law generally applicable to misdemeanors shall apply to any criminal proceeding brought under this chapter, and any misdemeanor shall be deemed and classified as an unclassified misdemeanor. For purposes of this chapter, the Town's justice court is hereby vested and imbued with jurisdiction to issue administrative and other warrants in compliance with the New York Criminal Procedure Law and administrative codes of the State of New York, as well as to hear and adjudicate allegations relating to the criminal or civil violation of this chapter and thereafter, if appropriate, impose any fine, penalty, or sanction.

Penalties. In addition to such other penalties as may be prescribed by state law, 1) any person who violates any provision of this chapter or the Uniform Code or Energy Code, or any term, condition, or provision of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, certificate 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 guilty of a violation or misdemeanor, as the case may be, as set forth below, and subject to the following fines, penalties, and remedies:

For a first violation, any person found guilty shall be deemed to have committed a violation and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 nor less than $200, or subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 nor less than $250 to be recovered by the Town in a civil action.

A second violation is one found to have occurred within two years of any prior civil or criminal determination of any other violation of this chapter, and any person found guilty of a second violation shall be deemed to have committed an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not less than $500 nor more than $2,500 and a period of incarceration not to exceed 120 days, or subject to a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 to be recovered by the Town in a civil action.

Each week that any noncompliance or violation continues is and may be charged as a separate violation and, in addition to any other remedy, a violation of or noncompliance with this chapter may result in the termination, modification, or revocation of any permits or approvals as issued.

Injunctive relief. Whenever the Town shall believe from evidence satisfactory to it that there is a violation of, or noncompliance with, this chapter, the Town may bring an action to enjoin or restrain the continuation of such violation or noncompliance, to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, enforce, or abate any violation (including any threatened violation) of, or nonconformance with, any provision or requirement of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this local, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate of occupancy or certificate 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, or to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of any of the same. The court may also declare the rights and interests of any parties, impose, or collect any civil penalties, or award any damages or other relief requested. In any action seeking equitable relief or injunctions, including under Article 63 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, the Town shall not be required to post any bond or undertaking, prove that there is or will likely be irreparable harm, or prove that the Town has no adequate remedy at law. Such action, and any other action or proceeding, may be instituted in the name of the Town in any court of competent jurisdiction, but no such action or proceeding shall be commenced without appropriate authorization from the Town Board.

Remedies not exclusive. The application or pursuit of any civil or criminal fine, sanction, or penalty shall not preclude the pursuit of any other lawful remedy by the Town, including, but not limited to, the right to seek equitable relief. 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 § 108-6, 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 § 108-6, 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 or any other proceedings or actions authorized by this chapter.

§ 108-17.1 Fees.

A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the 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, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates, operating permits, fire safety and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this chapter.

§ 108-17.2 Intermunicipal agreements.

The Town Board may, by resolution, authorize the Town, or an officer or employee thereof, to enter into an agreement in the name of the 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, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law. Any qualified Code Enforcement Officer or Inspector of such other governmental entity shall be and be deemed the Code Enforcement Officer and Inspector of the Town for all purposes under this chapter, including but not limited to matters of interpretation, review, inspection, compliance, and enforcement.

§ 108-17.3 Electrical inspections.

All electrical inspections in the Town shall be conducted by an electrical inspector qualified under New York State Law to conduct electrical inspections pursuant to and under the requirements of the National Electrical Code, as now exists or hereafter amended or re-codified.

§ 108-17.4 Limitations upon Town liability.

The Town shall not be liable or responsible for any injury to persons or damage to property due to the Town's actions, or failures to act, under or pursuant to this chapter unless it is proven to a reasonable degree of certainty that such injury or damage was solely or principally caused by a willful or intentional act of the Town. This provision shall be construed and applied to the maximum extent permitted by law and does not create any theory or claim of liability where none exists at law or in equity.

§ 108-17.5 Partial invalidity.

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or article of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional, illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such judgment or determination shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder hereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or article thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered, and the remainder of this chapter shall remain in force and effect, and shall not be impaired or invalidated by such judgment or determination.

§ 108-17.6 When effective.

This chapter shall take effect immediately.

§ 108-17.7 Codification.

These amendments and regulations shall be incorporated into the Town Code, and the incorporator may designate such new section and numerical headings, or other indexed references, as make for a coherent Town Code, sequentially numbered or marked. Nothing in this chapter is intended to disrupt or affect the existing Town Code, except to the extent any existing code provision is herein expressly superseded or repealed. All other provisions of the Town Code are hereby reaffirmed and continued in force and effect, and the codification of these amendments shall follow the proceed for amending the code as set forth in the code or the Town's local laws, including but not limited to Local Law #2 of 2022.

Article II Swimming Pools

[Adopted 6-20-2007 by L.L. No. 3-2007]

§ 108-18 Title and application.

This article shall be known as "Local Law Number 3 of 2007." Local Law Number 3 of 2007 applies only within those portions of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York, that are outside of the Village of Lansing. This article does not replace or supplant any requirements of the New York State Building and Fire Code and the New York State Energy Code (herein together, the "Building Codes"), nor any provision of Chapter 108, Article I, Administration and Enforcement, of the Code of the Town of Lansing.

§ 108-19 Purpose.

The Town of Lansing believes that many noncompliant swimming pools exist within the Town because the Building Codes allow construction permit renewals that can create a situation where the pool is under permit to be built, but also in use, even though compliance with the Building Codes does not yet exist or is not yet required. The Town Code Enforcement Office and the Town Board have determined, and hereby declare, that such problem poses a threat to the safety and health of residents of the Town of Lansing, and particularly to children in proximity to such swimming pools.

§ 108-20 Definitions.

The following terms and phrases have the following meanings:

CEO

The Town Code Enforcement Officer, the Town building inspector, and/or the Town electrical inspector, and/or their respective designees.

PERSON

Any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other group or entity.

SWIMMING POOL

Any water (or body of water) contained by a vessel usually, but not exclusively, formed or constructed of steel, concrete or fiberglass that is capable of containing over 24 inches in water depth and/or which has a surface area exceeding 150 square feet.

TOWN

The Town of Lansing, New York.

TOWN BOARD

The Town Board of the Town of Lansing, New York.

§ 108-21 Swimming pool permits.

[Amended 3-18-2009 by L.L. No. 4-2009]

All swimming pools (and related appurtenances, water supplies, and drainage systems, and other features thereof) shall be constructed in conformity with the Building Codes and Chapter 108, Article I, Administration and Enforcement, of the Code of the Town of Lansing. Notwithstanding any other requirement of law or of the Building Codes or said Article I of this chapter, the following rules shall apply to the issuance and renewal of building and other permits for the construction of swimming pools:

All permits and renewal permits shall be renewable for successive periods of time not to exceed six months per permit, except that storable/portable pools shall have three-month permit lengths and shall not need an annual permit for each year they are assembled or set up so long as the certificate of compliance has been issued, and the same pool upon which any permit was issued is reinstalled in the same location each year or each time such pool is assembled or set up.

The swimming pool shall be completed within 12 months of the date of issuance of the first permit therefor. "Completed" means properly built and constructed, in compliance with the Building Codes and Article I of this chapter, duly inspected, and for which a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance has issued, as applicable.

If on the twelve-month anniversary of the issuance of the first permit, the swimming pool has not received a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, as applicable, then the swimming pool shall be filled in with dirt and tightly tamped (or filled with another hard substance as approved by the CEO), or removed in its entirety.

The CEO may set the fees for issuance of permits and renewals thereof.

§ 108-22 Inspection.

The CEO shall have authority to enter upon any premises as may be deemed necessary to inspect work done and installations made under permits issued by the Building Department.

§ 108-23 Penalties for offenses.

In addition to any other right or remedy allowed by law or in equity, the Town Board may maintain actions or proceedings in the name of the Town in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or restrain by injunction the violation of any provision or requirement of this article. Any violation or noncompliance with this article may be restrained or otherwise abated in any manner provided by law. In addition, the following fines and penalties may be imposed for the violation of, or noncompliance with, this article, and the following rules apply:

Penalties and remedies.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

All provisions of New York State law generally applicable to misdemeanors shall apply to any criminal proceeding brought under this chapter, and any misdemeanor shall be deemed an unclassified misdemeanor. For purposes of this chapter, the Town's justice court is hereby vested and imbued with jurisdiction to issue administrative and other warrants in compliance with the New York Criminal Procedure Law and administrative codes of the State of New York, as well as to hear and adjudicate allegations relating to the criminal or civil violation of this chapter and thereafter, if appropriate, impose any fine, penalty, or sanction.

Any person or entity that violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be (1) guilty of a criminal violation and subject to a fine of not more than $250, or (2) subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500 be recovered by the Town in a civil action. Each week that any noncompliance or violation continues is and may be charged as a separate violation.