[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Blooming Grove 1-22-2007
by L.L. No. 1-2007.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Unsafe buildings — See Ch. 96.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also repealed former Ch. 128, Fire Prevention and Building Construction, which consisted of the following: Part 1, General Provisions, adopted 12-8-1975 by L.L. No. 4-1975 (Ch. 26 of the 1975 Code), as amended; and Part 2, Enforcement and Administration, adopted 9-13-1976 by L.L. No. 3-1976 (Ch. 151 of the 1975 Code), as amended.
This chapter provides for the administration and enforcement of the
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the Uniform Code)
and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the Energy Code) in this
Town. This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 10 of the Municipal
Home Rule Law. Except as otherwise provided in the Uniform Code, other state
law, or other section of this chapter, all buildings, structures, and premises,
regardless of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A permit issued pursuant to § 128-4 of this chapter. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 128-7B of this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector appointed pursuant to § 128-3B of this chapter.
Shall include the Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 128-15A of this chapter.
The State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently in
effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 128-3D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 128-10 of this chapter. The term "operating permit" shall also include an operating permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this chapter.
The person to whom a building permit has been issued.
Shall include an individual, corporation, limited-liability company,
partnership, limited partnership, business trust, estate, trust, association,
or any other legal or commercial entity of any kind or description.
An order issued pursuant to § 128-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 128-7D of this chapter.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as
currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
The office of Code Enforcement Officer is hereby created.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall administer and enforce all the provisions
of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this chapter. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)
To receive, review, and approve or disapprove applications
for building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance,
temporary certificates and operating permits, and the plans, specifications
and construction documents submitted with such applications;
(2)
Upon approval of such applications, to issue building
permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary
certificates and operating permits, and to include in building permits, certificates
of occupancy, certificates of compliance, temporary certificates and operating
permits such terms and conditions as the Code Enforcement Officer may determine
to be appropriate;
(3)
To conduct construction inspections, inspections to be
made prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance,
temporary certificates and operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance
inspections, inspections incidental to the investigation of complaints, and
all other inspections required or permitted under any provision of this chapter;
(4)
To issue stop-work orders;
(5)
To review and investigate complaints;
(7)
To maintain records;
(8)
To collect fees as set by the Town Board of the Town
of Blooming Grove;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with this Town's attorney, to pursue
such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code and this chapter, or to abate or correct conditions
not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter;
and
(11)
To exercise all other powers and fulfill all other duties
conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the
Town Board. The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess background experience
related to building construction or fire prevention and shall, within the
time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service training, advanced
in-service training and other training as the State of New York shall require
for code enforcement personnel, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain
certification from the State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive
Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
C.
In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is unable
to serve as such for any reason, the Town Board shall designate an assistant
Code Enforcement Officer to serve as Acting Code Enforcement Officer. The
Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term of his or her appointment,
exercise all powers and fulfill all duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement
Officer by this chapter or other laws adopted by the Town Board.
D.
One or more assistant Code Enforcement Officers 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 or other local law(s) adopted by
the Town Board. Each inspector shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain
such basic training, in-service training, advanced in-service training and
other training as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement
personnel, and each inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire
Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
E.
The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer and
inspectors shall be fixed from time to time by the Town Board.
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 or where a building permit is required. No site work shall commence prior to issuance of the building permit or other required approvals. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
B.
Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for
work in any of the following categories:
(1)
Construction or installation of one-story detached structures
associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar
uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.38
square meters);
(2)
Installation of swings and other playground equipment
associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses);
(3)
Installation of swimming pools associated with a one-
or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where
such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed
entirely above ground;
(4)
Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure
surrounding a swimming pool;
(5)
Construction of retaining walls unless such walls support
a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;
(6)
Construction of temporary motion-picture, television
and theater stage sets and scenery;
(7)
Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior
wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses);
(8)
Installation of partitions or movable cases less than
five feet nine inches in height;
(9)
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar
finish work;
(10)
Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
(11)
Replacement of any equipment, provided the replacement
does not alter the equipment's listing or render it inconsistent with
the equipment's original specifications; or
(12)
Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
(a)
The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing wall, partition,
or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing component;
(b)
The removal or change of any required means of egress,
or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress;
(c)
The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation
of any building system; or
(d)
The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection
system for any period of time.
C.
Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subsection B of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.
D.
Applications for building permits. Application for a
building permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or otherwise
acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. The application shall be signed
by the owner of the property where the work is to be performed or an authorized
agent of the owner. The application shall include such information as the
Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit a determination by the
Code Enforcement Officer that the intended work complies with all applicable
requirements of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The application shall
include or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
(1)
A description of the proposed work;
(2)
The Tax Map number and the street address of the premises
where the work is to be performed;
(3)
The occupancy classification of any affected building
or structure;
(4)
Where applicable, a statement of special inspections
prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
(5)
At least two sets of construction documents (drawings
and/or specifications) which:
(a)
Define the scope of the proposed work;
(b)
Are prepared by a New York State registered architect
or licensed professional engineer where so required by the Education Law;
(c)
Indicate with sufficient clarity and detail the nature
and extent of the work proposed;
(d)
Substantiate that the proposed work will comply with
the Uniform Code and the Energy Code; and
(e)
Where applicable, include a site plan that shows any
existing and proposed buildings and structures on the site, the location of
any existing or proposed well or septic system, the location of the intended
work, and the distances between the buildings and structures and the lot lines.
E.
Construction documents. Construction documents will not be accepted as part of an application for a building permit unless they satisfy the requirements set forth in Subsection D(5) of this section. Construction documents which are accepted as part of the application for a building permit shall be marked as accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing or by stamp. One set of the accepted construction documents shall be retained by the Code Enforcement Officer, and one set of the accepted construction documents shall be returned to the applicant to be kept at the work site so as to be available for use by the code enforcement personnel. However, the return of a set of accepted construction documents to the applicant shall not be construed as authorization to commence work, nor as an indication that a building permit will be issued. Work shall not be commenced until and unless a building permit is issued.
F.
Issuance of building permits. An application for a building
permit shall be examined to ascertain whether the proposed work is in compliance
with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and Energy Code. The
Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a building permit if the proposed work
is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Code and
Energy Code.
G.
Building permits to be displayed. Building permits shall
be visibly displayed at the work site and shall remain visible until the authorized
work has been completed.
H.
Work to be in accordance with construction documents.
All work shall be performed in accordance with the construction documents
which were submitted with and accepted as part of the application for the
building permit. The building permit shall contain such a directive. The permit
holder shall immediately notify the Code Enforcement Officer of any change
occurring during the course of the work. The building permit shall contain
such a directive. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that such change
warrants a new or amended building permit, such change shall not be made until
and unless a new or amended building permit reflecting such change is issued.
I.
Time limits. Building permits shall become invalid unless
the authorized work is commenced within six months following the date of issuance.
Building permits shall expire 12 months after the date of issuance. A building
permit which has become invalid or which has expired pursuant to this subsection
may be renewed upon application by the permit holder, payment of the applicable
fee, and approval of the application by the Code Enforcement Officer.
J.
Revocation or suspension of building permits. If the
Code Enforcement Officer determines that a building permit was issued in error
because of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or that the work
for which a building permit was issued violates the Uniform Code or the Energy
Code, the Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke the building permit or suspend
the building permit until such time as the permit holder demonstrates that:
A.
Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
B.
Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements
of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable:
(1)
Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;
(2)
Footing and foundation;
(3)
Preparation for concrete slab;
(4)
Framing;
(5)
Building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(6)
Fire-resistant construction;
(7)
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(8)
Solid fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues
or gas vents;
(9)
Energy Code compliance; and
(10)
A final inspection after all work authorized by the building
permit has been completed.
C.
Inspection results. After inspection, the work or a portion
thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the permit holder
shall be notified of the reasons the work fails to comply with the Uniform
Code or Energy Code. The permit holder must contact the office of the Code
Enforcement Officer to receive the inspection results. Work not in compliance
with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code shall remain
exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance with all applicable
provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy Code, reinspected, and found
satisfactory as completed.
A.
Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized
to issue stop-work orders pursuant to this section. The Code Enforcement Officer
shall issue a stop-work order to halt:
(1)
Any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer
to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code,
without regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a building
permit is required, and without regard to whether a building permit has or
has not been issued for such work; or
(2)
Any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe
manner in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without regard to whether
such work is or is not work for which a building permit is required, and without
regard to whether a building permit has or has not been issued for such work;
or
(3)
Any work for which a building permit is required which
is being performed without the required building permit, or under a building
permit that has become invalid, has expired, or has been suspended or revoked.
C.
Service of stop-work orders. The Code Enforcement Officer
shall cause the stop-work order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner
of the affected property (and, if the owner is not the permit holder, on the
permit holder) personally or by certified mail to the address shown on the
building permit application or on the Town's tax records. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the stop-work order,
or a copy thereof, to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor,
subcontractor, construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other
person taking part or assisting in work affected by the stop-work order, personally
or by certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person
mentioned in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the stop-work
order.
D.
Effect of stop-work order. Upon the issuance of a stop-work
order, the owner of the affected property, the permit holder and any other
person performing, taking part in or assisting in the work shall immediately
cease all work which is the subject of the stop-work order.
E.
Remedy not exclusive. The issuance of a stop-work order shall not be the exclusive remedy available to address any event described in Subsection A of this section, and the authority to issue a stop-work order shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the right and authority to pursue any other remedy or impose any other penalty under § 128-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter or under any other applicable local law or state law. Any such other remedy or penalty may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, at the time of, or after the issuance of a stop-work order.
A.
Certificates of occupancy/certificates of compliance
required. A certificate of occupancy/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/certificate
of compliance.
B.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy/certificates of
compliance. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy/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,
the Energy Code and local laws and, if applicable, the structure, building
or portion thereof that was converted from one use or occupancy classification
or subclassification to another complies with all applicable provisions of
the Uniform Code 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/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/certificate
of compliance, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer prior to
the issuance of the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance:
C.
Contents of certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance.
A certificate of occupancy/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, address and Tax Map number of the property;
(4)
If the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance
is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of
the structure for which the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance
is issued;
(5)
The use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(6)
The type of construction of the structure;
(7)
The assembly occupant load of the structure, if any;
(8)
If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation
as to whether the sprinkler system is required;
(9)
Any special conditions imposed in connection with the
issuance of the building permit;
(10)
Any other information or certification required by the
Code Enforcement Officer; and
(11)
The signature of the Code Enforcement Officer issuing
the certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance and the date of issuance.
D.
Temporary certificate. The Code Enforcement Officer is
authorized to issue a temporary certificate allowing the temporary occupancy
of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, prior to completion of the
work which is the subject of a building permit. However, in no event shall
the Code Enforcement Officer issue a temporary certificate unless the Code
Enforcement Officer determines (1) that the building or structure, or the
portion thereof covered by the temporary certificate, may be occupied safely;
(2) that any fire- and smoke-detecting or fire protection equipment which
has been installed is operational; and (3) that all required means of egress
from the building or structure have been provided; and (4) that all site plan
work is completed to the Town's satisfaction or, at the Town's sole
discretion, a bond is posted to secure completion of the work. The Code Enforcement
Officer may include in a temporary certificate such terms and conditions as
he or she deems necessary or appropriate to ensure safety or to further the
purposes and intent of the Uniform Code. A temporary certificate shall be
effective for a period of time, not to exceed six months, which shall be determined
by the Code Enforcement Officer and specified in the temporary certificate.
During the specified period of effectiveness of the temporary certificate,
the permit holder shall undertake to bring the building or structure into
full compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the
Energy Code.
E.
Revocation or suspension of certificates. If the Code
Enforcement Officer determines that a certificate of occupancy, certificate
of compliance or a temporary certificate was issued in error because of incorrect,
inaccurate or incomplete information, and if the relevant deficiencies are
not corrected to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer within such
period of time as shall be specified by the Code Enforcement Officer, the
Code Enforcement Officer shall revoke or suspend such certificate.
The chief of any fire department providing fire-fighting services for
a property within this Town shall promptly notify the Code Enforcement Officer
of any fire or explosion involving any structural damage, fuel-burning appliance,
chimney or gas vent.
Unsafe structures and equipment in this Town shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 96 of the Town Code, as now in effect or as hereafter amended from time to time.
A.
Operating permits required.
(1)
Operating permits shall be required for conducting the
activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:
(a)
Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials
in quantities exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1), 2703.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3)
or 2703.1.1(4) in the publication entitled "Fire Code of New York State" and
incorporated by reference in 19 NYCRR 1225.1;
(b)
Hazardous processes and activities, including, but not
limited to, commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible
dust as a byproduct, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
(c)
Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(d)
Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly
with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(e)
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose
a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by resolution
adopted by the Town Board of this Town.
B.
Applications for operating permits. An application for
an operating permit shall be in writing on a form provided by or otherwise
acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall include
such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems sufficient to permit
a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer that quantities, materials,
and activities conform to the requirements of the Uniform Code. If the Code
Enforcement Officer determines that tests or reports are necessary to verify
conformance, such tests or reports shall be performed or provided by such
person or persons as may be designated by or otherwise acceptable to the Code
Enforcement Officer, at the expense of the applicant.
C.
Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector
authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the subject premises
prior to the issuance of an operating permit.
(1)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall conduct periodic inspections
for compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code. Such inspections may be made at any reasonable time.
(2)
If entrance to make an inspection is refused or cannot
be obtained, the Code Enforcement Officer may apply for a warrant to make
an inspection to any court of competent jurisdiction.
(3)
In case of an emergency, property may be inspected at
any time without a warrant and without permission.
D.
Multiple activities. In any circumstance in which more than one activity listed in Subsection A of this section is to be conducted at a location, the Code Enforcement Officer may require a separate operating permit for each such activity, or the Code Enforcement Officer may, in his or her discretion, issue a single operating permit to apply to all such activities.
E.
Duration of operating permits. Operating permits shall
be issued for such period of time, not to exceed one year in the case of any
operating permit issued for an area of public assembly and not to exceed three
years in any other case, as shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer
to be consistent with local conditions. The effective period of each operating
permit shall be specified in the operating permit. An operating permit may
be reissued or renewed upon application to the Code Enforcement Officer, payment
of the applicable fee, and approval of such application by the Code Enforcement
Officer.
F.
Revocation or suspension of operating permits. If the
Code Enforcement Officer determines that any activity or building for which
an operating permit was issued does not comply with any applicable provision
of the Uniform Code, such operating permit shall be revoked or suspended.
A.
Inspections required. Firesafety and property maintenance
inspections of buildings and structures shall be performed by the Code Enforcement
Officer or an inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at the
following intervals:
(1)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings
or structures which contain an area of public assembly shall be performed
at least once every 12 months.
(2)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings
or structures being occupied as dormitories shall be performed at least once
every 12 months.
(3)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of all multiple dwellings not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this subsection, and all nonresidential buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this subsection, shall be performed at least once every 12 months, not to exceed 18 months.
B.
Inspections permitted. In addition to the inspections required by Subsection A of this section, a firesafety and property maintenance inspection of any building, structure, use, or occupancy, or of any dwelling unit, may also be performed by the Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector designated by the Code Enforcement Officer at any time upon:
(1)
The request of the owner of the property to be inspected
or an authorized agent of such owner; receipt by the Code Enforcement Officer
of a written statement alleging that conditions or activities failing to comply
with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist; or receipt by the Code Enforcement
Officer of any other information, reasonably believed by the Code Enforcement
Officer to be reliable, giving rise to reasonable cause to believe that conditions
or activities failing to comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code exist;
provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall be construed as permitting
an inspection under any circumstances under which a court order or warrant
permitting such inspection is required, unless such court order or warrant
shall have been obtained.
(2)
Application for a warrant by the Code Enforcement Officer
to any court of competent jurisdiction to make an inspection if entrance to
make an inspection is refused or cannot be obtained.
(3)
Determination of the Code Enforcement Officer that there
exists an emergency, in which case property may be inspected at any time without
a warrant and without permission.
C.
OFPC inspections. Nothing in this section or in any other
provision of this chapter shall supersede, limit or impair the powers, duties
and responsibilities of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
("OFPC") and the New York State Fire Administrator under Executive Law § 156-e
and Education Law § 807-b.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall review and investigate complaints
which allege or assert the existence of conditions or activities that fail
to comply with the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any other
local law, ordinance or regulation adopted for administration and enforcement
of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code. The process for responding to a complaint
shall include such of the following steps as the Code Enforcement Officer
may deem to be appropriate:
A.
Performing an inspection of the conditions and/or activities
alleged to be in violation, and documenting the results of such inspection;
B.
If a violation is found to exist, providing the owner of the affected property and any other person who may be responsible for the violation with notice of the violation and opportunity to abate, correct or cure the violation, or otherwise proceeding in the manner described in § 128-15, Enforcement; penalties for offenses, of this chapter;
C.
If appropriate, issuing a stop-work order;
D.
If a violation which was found to exist is abated or
corrected, performing an inspection to ensure that the violation has been
abated or corrected, preparing a final written report reflecting such abatement
or correction, and filing such report with the complaint.
A.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall keep permanent official
records of all transactions and activities conducted by all code enforcement
personnel, including records of:
(1)
All applications received, reviewed and approved or denied;
(2)
All plans, specifications and construction documents
approved;
(3)
All building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates
of compliance, temporary certificates, stop-work orders, and operating permits
issued;
(4)
All inspections and tests performed;
(5)
All statements and reports issued;
(6)
All complaints received;
(7)
All investigations conducted;
(9)
All fees charged and collected.
B.
All such records shall be public records open for public
inspection during normal business hours. All plans and records pertaining
to buildings or structures, or appurtenances thereto, shall be retained for
at least the minimum time period so required by state law and regulation.
A.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to the Town Board of this Town a written report and summary of all business conducted by the Code Enforcement Officer and the inspectors, including a report and summary of transactions and activities described in § 128-13, Recordkeeping, of this chapter and a report and summary of all appeals or litigation pending or concluded.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall annually submit to
the Secretary of State, on behalf of this Town, on a form prescribed by the
Secretary of State, a report of the activities of this Town relative to administration
and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
C.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall, upon request of the
New York State Department of State, provide to the New York State Department
of State, from the records and related materials this Town is required to
maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics and other information
and accounts of the activities of this Town in connection with administration
and enforcement of the Uniform Code.
A.
Compliance orders. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized
to order in writing the remedying of any condition or activity found to exist
in, on or about any building, structure, or premises in violation of the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter. Upon finding that any such condition
or activity exists, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a compliance
order. The compliance order shall (1) be in writing; (2) be dated and signed
by the Code Enforcement Officer; (3) specify the condition or activity that
violates the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this chapter; (4) 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; (5) specify
the period of time which the Code Enforcement Officer deems to be reasonably
necessary for achieving compliance; (6) direct that compliance be achieved
within the specified period of time; and (7) state that an action or proceeding
to compel compliance maybe instituted if compliance is not achieved within
the specified period of time. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the
compliance order, or a copy thereof, to be served on the owner of the affected
property personally or by certified mail. The Code Enforcement Officer shall
be permitted, but not required, to cause the compliance order, or a copy thereof,
to be served on any builder, architect, tenant, contractor, subcontractor,
construction superintendent, or their agents, or any other person taking part
or assisting in work being performed at the affected property personally or
by certified mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person mentioned
in this sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the compliance order.
B.
Appearance tickets. The Code Enforcement Officer and
each inspector are authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation
of the Uniform Code, Energy Code or this chapter.
C.
Criminal penalties. Unless otherwise specifically provided,
the violation of this law or any term or condition of any building permit,
certificate of occupancy, temporary certificate, stop-work order, operating
permit or other notice or order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant
to any provisions of this chapter shall be deemed an offense against such
law, punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 for each day or part thereof
during which such violation continues or imprisonment of not more than 15
days, or both such fine and imprisonment.
D.
Civil penalties. In addition to and not in lieu of those
penalties prescribed by state law, any person who violates any provision of
the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this chapter, or any term or condition
of any building permit, 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 a civil penalty of not more than $250 for
each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil
penalties provided by this subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted
in the name of the Town or the Code Enforcement Officer.
E.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be instituted
in the name of this Town, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to prevent,
restrain, enjoin, correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision
of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any term or condition
of any building permit, certificate of occupancy, 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. In particular, but not by way of limitation,
where the construction or use of a building or structure is in violation of
any provision of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, this chapter, or any stop-work
order, compliance order or other order obtained under the Uniform Code, the
Energy Code or this chapter, an action or proceeding may be commenced in the
name of this Town, in the Supreme Court or in any other court having the requisite
jurisdiction, to obtain an order directing the removal of the building or
structure or an abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions.
F.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or penalty available to address any violation described in this section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this section, in § 128-6, 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 § 128-6, Stop-work orders, of this chapter, in any other section of this chapter, or in any other applicable law. In particular, but not by way of limitation, each remedy and penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the penalties specified in Subdivision (2) of § 382 of the Executive Law, and any remedy or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any penalty specified in Subdivision (2) of § 382 of the Executive Law.
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution of the Town Board.
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, certificate of compliance,
temporary certificates, operating permits, firesafety and property maintenance
inspections, and other actions of the Code Enforcement Officer described in
or contemplated by this chapter.
The Town Board of the Town of Blooming Grove may, by resolution, authorize
the Town Board of this Town to enter into an agreement, in the name of this
Town, with other governments to carry out the terms of this chapter, provided
that such agreement does not violate any provision of the Uniform Code, the
Energy Code, Part 1203 of Title 19 of the NYCRR, or any other applicable law.
If any section of this chapter shall be held unconstitutional, invalid,
or ineffective, in whole or in part, such determination shall not be deemed
to affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter.