[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury 5-1-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known as "Fire Prevention and Building
Construction."
It is the intent of the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury
through adoption of this chapter to continue to provide for the administration
and enforcement of the provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy Code
of the State of New York.
In this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth in this section:
An area in any building, or in any portion of a building,
that is primarily used or intended to be used for gathering 50 or
more persons for uses including, but not limited to, amusement, athletic,
entertainment, social, or other recreational functions; patriotic,
political, civic, educational, or religious functions; food or drink
consumption; awaiting transportation; or similar purposes.
A building permit, construction permit, demolition permit,
or other permit that authorizes the performance of work. The term
"building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed,
amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
A document issued by the Town of Queensbury stating that
work was done in compliance with approved construction documents and
the Codes.
A document issued by the Town of Queensbury certifying that
the building or structure, or portion thereof, complies with the approved
construction documents that have been submitted to and approved by
the Town of Queensbury and indicating that the building or structure,
or portion thereof, is in a condition suitable for occupancy.
The Code Enforcement Officer and all Inspectors and, in certain
circumstances, the Fire Marshal and all Deputy Fire Marshals.
The Uniform Code and Energy Code.
The New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code
adopted pursuant to Article 11 of the Energy Law.
The 2020 Fire Code of New York State as currently incorporated
by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1225.
An inspection performed to determine compliance 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.
A solid, liquid, or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing
that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability, or instability
of Class 3 or 4, as ranked by NFPA 704 (Standard Systems for Identification
of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response), and which is
used directly in research, laboratory, or production processes which
have, as their end product, materials that are not hazardous.
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 88B-5 of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 88B-12 of this chapter and shall include any operating permit which is renewed, amended, or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 88B-19A of this chapter.
The person to whom a building permit has been issued.
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.
The 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State as currently
incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1226.
The 2020 Residential Code of New York State as currently
incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR Part 1220.
The reconstruction, replacement, or renewal of any part of
an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct
damage.
An order issued pursuant to § 88B-8 of this chapter.
A building used, in whole or in part, for the collection,
storage or processing of maple sap into maple syrup and/or maple sugar.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 88B-9D of this chapter.
The Town of Queensbury.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Subchapter A of Chapter XXXIII of Title 19 of the NYCRR, adopted pursuant to Article 18 of the Executive Law.
The provisions of this chapter relating to maintenance, housekeeping
and behavior regulations so as to protect life and property against
the hazards of fire, explosion and the release of toxic gases arising
from the storage, handling or use of combustible or hazardous substances,
materials or devices shall apply equally to new and existing buildings
and conditions.
A.
In addition to authority otherwise delegated to such officials by
law, rule, regulation or order, the Town Director of Code Enforcement
and all Assistant Building Inspectors/Code Enforcement Officers thereunder,
shall have the following authority:
(1)
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;
(2)
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 ;
(3)
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;
(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 the Town of Queensbury;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with the Town's legal counsel, 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.
Prior to exercising the authority set forth in this section, each
such official or employee must, 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 such person shall obtain
certification from the Department of State pursuant to the Executive
Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
C.
The Fire Marshal and all those appointed to serve under him/her who
obtains the necessary qualifications shall exercise concurrent jurisdiction
and shall also have the authority set forth in this section, provided,
however, that the authority of the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshals
is limited to conditions which relate to fire prevention and fire/life
safety.
D.
The Director of Building and Code Enforcement and Fire Marshal shall
have the authority to permit the continuance of existing conditions
within their respective areas of authority, not in strict compliance
with the terms of this chapter where the exceptions do not constitute
a distinct hazard to life or property.
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 Town of Queensbury.
B.
Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for work in any
of the following categories:
C.
Exemptions are 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 location, nature, extent, and scope of the proposed
work;
(2)
The tax map number and the street address of any affected building
or structure;
(3)
The occupancy classification of any affected building or structure;
(4)
Where applicable, a statement of special inspections prepared in
accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
(5)
At least two sets of construction documents (drawings and/or specifications)
which (i) describe the location, nature, extent, and scope of the
proposed work; (ii) show that the proposed work will conform to the
applicable provisions of the Codes; (iii) show the location, construction,
size, and character of all portions of the means of egress; (iv) show
a representation of the building thermal envelope; (v) 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; (vi) show the proposed
structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and
other service systems of the building; (vii) include a written statement
indicating compliance with the Energy Code; (viii) 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 (ix) 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.
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, 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. No work shall 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
and the Zoning Law of the Town of Queensbury. 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
and Town Zoning Law.
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 12 months following the date of issuance.
Building permits shall expire 12 months from 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,
the Energy Code of Town Zoning Law, the Code Enforcement Officer has
the absolute authority to 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, the Energy Code and Town Zoning Law;
and (2) all work then proposed to be performed shall be in compliance
with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code
and Town Zoning Law.
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)
Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection, and
other similar service systems of the building;
(6)
Fire resistant construction;
(7)
Fire resistant penetrations;
(8)
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues, or gas vents;
(9)
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.
C.
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 to
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.
D.
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.
A.
Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to
issue stop-work orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement
Officer has the authority to issue a stop-work orders 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;
(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 (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.
C.
Service of stop-work orders. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have
authority to cause a 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. 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.
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,
other than work expressly authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer
to correct the reason for issuing 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 § 88B-19 (Violations) of this chapter or under any other applicable local law or state law. Any 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 and certificates of compliance required.
A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is 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.
B.
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, Energy Code, Town Zoning Laws and
all applicable land use approvals 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, Energy Code, Town Zoning Laws and
all applicable land use approvals. 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:
(1)
A written statement of structural observations and/or a final report
of special inspections,
(2)
Flood hazard certifications,
(3)
A written statement of the results of tests performed to show compliance
with the Energy Code, and
(4)
Where applicable, the affixation of the appropriate seals, insignias,
and manufacturer's data plates as required for factory manufactured
buildings and/or manufactured homes.
C.
Contents of certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance.
A certificate of occupancy or certificate 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 (if any), address and tax map number of the property;
(4)
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;
(5)
The use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(6)
The type of construction of the structure;
(7)
The occupant load of the assembly areas in the structure, if any;
(8)
Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of
the building permit; and
(9)
The signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing the certificate
of occupancy or certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.
D.
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 and/or performing further construction
work in the building or structure. A temporary certificate of occupancy
may also be made subject to terms and conditions intended to address
ongoing obligations to comply with Town Zoning Laws and/or land use
approvals. A temporary certificate of occupancy shall be effective
for a period of time, not to exceed 12 months, which shall be determined
by the Code Enforcement Officer based upon the particular circumstances
presented and such term shall be 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, Energy Code, Town Zoning Laws and
all applicable land use approvals.
E.
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 have the absolute
discretion to revoke or suspend such certificate.
The chief of any fire department providing firefighting services
for a property within the Town of Queensbury shall promptly notify
the Code Enforcement Officer and Town Fire Marshal of any fire or
explosion involving any structural damage, fuel-burning appliance,
chimney or gas vent.
Unsafe buildings, structures, and equipment and conditions of imminent danger in the Town of Queensbury shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by Chapter 60 of the Town Code of the Town of Queensbury.
A.
Operation 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:
(1)
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;
(2)
Buildings, structures, facilities, processes, and/or activities that
are within the scope and/or permit requirements of the chapter or
section title of the FCNYS as follows:
(a)
Chapter 22, "Combustible Dust-Producing Operations." Facilities
where the operation produces combustible dust;
(b)
Chapter 24, "Flammable Finishes." Operations utilizing flammable
or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders
regulated by Chapter 24 of the FCNYS;
(c)
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 section 270;
(k)
Section 307, "Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable
Outdoor Fireplaces." Conducting open burning, not including recreational
fires and portable outdoor fireplaces; and
(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.
(3)
Energy storage systems, where the system exceeds the values shown
in Table 1206.1 of the FCNYS or exceeds the permitted aggregate ratings
in section R327.5 of the RCNYS;
(4)
Buildings containing one or more assembly areas;
(5)
Outdoor events where the planned attendance exceeds 1,000 persons;
(6)
Facilities that store, handle or use hazardous production materials;
(8)
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial
potential hazard to public safety, as determined by Resolution adopted
by the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury; and
(9)
Other processes or activities or for operating any type of building,
structure, or facility as determined by resolution adopted by the
Town Board of the Town of Queensbury.
Any person who proposes to undertake any activity or to operate
any type of building listed in this subsection shall be required to
obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such activity or operation.
B.
Applications for operating permits. An application for an operating
permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise acceptable
to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include such
information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit
a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials,
and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If
the Code Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are
necessary to verify conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed
or provided by such person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise
acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the
applicant.
C.
Exemptions. Operating permits shall not be required for processes or activities, or the buildings, structures, or facilities listed in Subsection A(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 § 88B-13 (Fire safety and property maintenance inspections) of this chapter, and condition assessments are performed in compliance with § 88B-15 (Condition assessments of parking garages) of this chapter, as applicable.
D.
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 of Queensbury 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.
E.
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 their discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
F.
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall be issued
for a specified period of time consistent with local conditions, but
in no event to exceed as follows:
(1)
One hundred eighty days for tents, special event structures, and
other membrane structures;
(2)
Sixty days for alternative activities at a sugarhouse;
(3)
Three years for the activities, structures, and operations determined per Subsection A(9) of this section, and
(4)
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.
G.
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 conflicts with the Town Zoning Law, such operating
permit may be revoked or suspended.
A.
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:
(1)
At least once every 12 months for buildings which contain an assembly
area;
(2)
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
(3)
At least once every 36 months for multiple dwellings and all nonresidential
occupancies.
B.
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.
C.
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:
(1)
The request of the owner of the property to be inspected or an authorized
agent of such owner;
(2)
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
(3)
Receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer of any other information,
reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement Officer to be reliable,
giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions or activities
failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist; provided,
however, that nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting
an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or
warrant permitting such inspection is required, unless such court
order or warrant shall have been obtained.
D.
OFPC inspections.
(1)
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 section 156-e and Education Law section 807-b.
(2)
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 sections 807-a and 807-b of the Education Law and/or section
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:
(a)
The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that the individual
performing such inspection satisfies the requirements set forth in
19 NYCRR 1203.2(e);
(b)
The Code Enforcement Officer is satisfied that such inspection
covers all elements required to be covered by a fire safety and property
maintenance inspection;
(c)
Such inspections are performed no less frequently than once
a year;
(d)
A true and complete copy of the report of each such inspection
is provided to the Code Enforcement Officer; and
The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the power and authority
to 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, 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 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 § 88B-19 (Violations) 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.
Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
(1)
The term "condition assessment" means 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;
(2)
The term "deterioration" means 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;
(3)
The term "parking garage" means 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:
(4)
The term "professional engineer" means 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;
(5)
The term "responsible professional engineer" means 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;
(6)
The term "unsafe condition" includes the conditions identified as
"unsafe" in section 304.1.1, section 305.1.1, and section 306.1.1
of the PMCNYS; and
(7)
The term "unsafe structure" means 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.
B.
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.
C.
Initial condition assessment. Each parking garage shall undergo an
initial condition assessment as follows:
(1)
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.
(2)
Parking garages constructed prior to August 29, 2018, shall undergo
an initial condition assessment as follows:
(a)
If originally constructed prior to January 1, 1984, then prior
to October 1, 2019;
(b)
If originally constructed between January 1, 1984 and December
31, 2002, then prior to October 1, 2020; and
(c)
If originally constructed between January 1, 2003 and August
28, 2018, then prior to October 1, 2021.
(3)
Any parking garage constructed prior to the effective date of this
chapter that has not undergone an initial condition assessment shall
undergo an initial condition assessment prior to June 1, 2023.
D.
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.
E.
Additional condition assessments.
(1)
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 D 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.
(2)
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 D 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 under the circumstances.
F.
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 within the time directed to do so. Such
condition assessment report shall be sealed and signed by the responsible
professional engineer, and shall include:
(1)
An evaluation and description of the extent of deterioration and
conditions that cause deterioration that could result in an unsafe
condition or unsafe structure;
(2)
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;
(3)
An evaluation and description of the unsafe conditions;
(4)
An evaluation and description of the problems associated with the
deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe conditions;
(5)
An evaluation and description of the corrective options available,
including the recommended timeframe for remedying the deterioration,
conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe conditions;
(6)
An evaluation and description of the risks associated with not addressing
the deterioration, conditions that cause deterioration, and unsafe
conditions;
(7)
The responsible professional engineer's recommendation regarding
preventative maintenance;
(8)
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
(9)
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.
G.
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 deemed 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 may, 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. 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.
H.
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.
(1)
This section shall not limit or impair the right or the obligation
of the Town:
(a)
To perform such construction inspections as set forth in § 88B-7 (Construction inspections) of this chapter;
(b)
To perform such periodic fire safety and property maintenance inspections as set forth in § 88B-13 (Fire safety and property maintenance inspections) of this chapter; and/or
(c)
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.
A.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine the climatic and geographic
design criteria for buildings and structures constructed within the
Town of Queensbury 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:
(1)
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;
(2)
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
(3)
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:
B.
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.
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, 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;
(8)
All condition assessment reports received;
(9)
All fees charged and collected; and
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 the Town of Queensbury 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 § 88B-16 (Record keeping) of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Secretary
of State, on behalf of the Town, 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.
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, true and complete copies of the records and related materials
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 as may be requested by the Department of State.
A.
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 the chapter; shall
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; 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 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/or (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. When an order to remedy is issued, to be effective,
the Code Enforcement Officer must 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.
B.
Appearance tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and each Inspector
are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation of the
Uniform Code.
C.
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 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 punishable
by a fine of not more than $50 per day of violation, or imprisonment
not exceeding 15 days, or both; and
(2)
Any person who violates any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy
Code or this chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit,
certificate of occupancy, 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 liable to pay a civil penalty of not more than $50
for each day or part thereof during which such violation continues.
The civil penalties provided by this paragraph shall be recoverable
in an action instituted in the name of the Town of Queensbury.
D.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted in the
name of the Town of Queensbury, in a court of competent jurisdiction,
to prevent, restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of,
or to enforce, any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code,
this chapter, or any term or condition of any building permit, certificate
of occupancy, certificate of compliance, temporary certificate, stop-work
order, operating permit, order to remedy, 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, order to remedy or other order obtained under
the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter, an action or proceeding
may be commenced in the name of the Town of Queensbury 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.
E.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or remedy available to address any violation described in this chapter, 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 § 88B-8 (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 § 88B-8 (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 section 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 section 382 of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town
Board of the Town of Queensbury. 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 Chapter.
The Town Board of the Town of Queensbury may, by resolution,
authorize the Town Supervisor to enter into an agreement in the name
of the Town of Queensbury with any 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 12-3 of Title
19 of the NYCRR or any other applicable law.
