[Adopted 1-4-2007 by L.L. No. 2-2007[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law superseded former
Art. I, Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy, adopted as
§§ 8.1 and 8.2 of an ordinance adopted 1-8-1974, as
amended.
This article 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). This article 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 article, all buildings, structures, and premises, regardless
of use or occupancy, are subject to the provisions of this article.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A permit issued pursuant to § 55-4 of this article. The term "building permit" shall also include a building permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this article.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 55-7B of this article.
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 55-3B of this article.
The Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 55-15A of this article.
The State Energy Conservation Construction Code, as currently
in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
An inspector appointed pursuant to § 55-3D of this article.
A permit issued pursuant to § 55-10 of this article. The term "operating permit" shall also include an operating permit which is renewed, amended or extended pursuant to any provision of this article.
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 removal of earth/dirt to pour construction footings.
[Added 12-15-2020 by L.L. No. 8-2020]
An order issued pursuant § 55-6 of this article.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 55-7D of this article.
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code,
as currently in effect and as hereafter amended from time to time.
The Village of North Haven.
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 article.
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 article;
(4)
To issue stop-work orders;
(5)
To review and investigate complaints;
(7)
To maintain records;
(8)
To collect fees as set by the Board of Trustees;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with the Village Attorney, to pursue
such legal actions and proceedings as may be necessary to enforce
the Uniform Code, the Energy Code and this article, or to abate or
correct conditions not in compliance with the Uniform Code, the Energy
Code or this article; and
(11)
To exercise all other powers and fulfill all other
duties conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this article.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by
the Board of Trustees. The Code Enforcement Officer shall possess
background experience related to building construction or fire prevention
and shall, within the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training,
in-service training, advanced in-service training and other training
as the State of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel,
and the Code Enforcement Officer shall obtain certification from the
State Fire Administrator pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
C.
In the event that the Code Enforcement Officer is
unable to serve as such for any reason, an individual shall be appointed
by the Mayor 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 article.
D.
One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Board
of Trustees 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 article. 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 Board of Trustees.
A.
Building permits required.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
(2)
Building
permits shall be issued only upon the application of the owner of
the premises which is the subject of the permit or the representative
of the owner duly authorized in writing to act on behalf of the owner.
No building permit shall be issued for the demolition or removal of
any building or structure except upon the applicant's delivery at
the applicant's sole cost and expense of a title insurance report
setting forth the identity of the current owner(s) of the subject
premises and holder(s) of any mortgage or security interest(s) (both
realty and chattel) in the subject premises. The applicant shall provide
the Village with a consent of any mortgagee to the demolition, in
a form and substance acceptable to the Village. The Building Inspector
has the authority to waive any requirement hereunder for a title insurance
report if the applicant is otherwise able to supply sufficient, reliable
information about all persons or entities who may have a security
or ownership interest in the building or structure to be demolished
or removed. The Building Inspector is not authorized to waive the
aforesaid consent of any mortgagee.
[Added 2-7-2012 by L.L. No. 3-2012]
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-family dwellings 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-family dwelling;
(3)
Installation of swimming pools associated with a one-family
dwelling where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than
24 inches and are installed entirely above ground;
(4)
Construction of retaining walls unless such walls
support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids;
(5)
Construction of temporary motion-picture, television
and theater stage sets and scenery;
(6)
Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior
wall of a one-family dwelling;
(7)
Installation of partitions or movable cases less than
five feet nine inches in height;
(8)
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other
similar finish work;
(9)
Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances;
(10)
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
(11)
Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve:
(a)
The removal or cutting away of a load-bearing
wall, partition or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load-bearing
component;
(b)
The removal or change of any required means
of egress, or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner
which affects egress;
(c)
The enlargement, alteration, replacement or
relocation of any building system; or
(d)
The removal from service of all or part of a
fire protection system for any period of time.
C.
Exemption not deemed authorization to perform noncompliant work. The exemption from the requirement to obtain a building permit for work in any category set forth in Subsection B of this section shall not be deemed an authorization for work to be performed in violation of the Uniform Code or the Energy Code.
D.
Applications for building permits. Applications for
a building permit shall be made in writing on a form provided by or
otherwise acceptable to the Code Enforcement Officer. The application
shall be signed by the owner of the property where the work is to
be performed or an authorized agent of the owner. The application
shall include such information as the Code Enforcement Officer deems
sufficient to permit a determination by the Code Enforcement Officer
that the intended work complies with all applicable requirements of
the Uniform Code and the Energy Code. The application shall include
or be accompanied by the following information and documentation:
(1)
A description of the proposed work;
(2)
The Tax Map number and the street address of the premises
where the work is to be performed;
(3)
The occupancy classification of any affected building
or structure;
(4)
Where applicable, a statement of special inspections
prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Code; and
(5)
At least two sets of original, signed, stamped/sealed
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 subject to no more than two consecutive ninety-day
extensions. 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, subject to any
later enacted local law or regulation in effect at the time of renewal.
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 all work then completed
is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code
and the Energy Code and all work then proposed to be performed shall
be in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code
and the Energy Code.
K.
Fee. The fee specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 55-16, Fees, of this article must be paid at the time of submission of an application for a building permit, for an amended building permit, or for renewal of a building permit.
(1)
Energy star requirements.
(a)
Any new single-family dwelling shall be built to comply
with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) New York Energy Star Labeled
Homes Program (hereinafter "the program") requirements.
(b)
The energy star requirements must be satisfied by
compliance with one of the following standards:
[1]
The Builder Option Package as established by
LIPA; or
[2]
Achieving a home energy rate of 84 or higher on the current
expanded Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Scoring System adopted by
the State of New York [which corresponds to an Index of 80 or less
as defined in the 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating
Systems Standards promulgated by the Residential Energy Services Network
(RESNET), including any amendments from time to time.
[Amended 6-6-2017 by L.L.
No. 2-2017]
(c)
In addition to demonstrating compliance with one of the standards set forth in Subsection K(1)(b) above, the dwelling must comply with the following additional requirements:
[1]
Include a total of 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity
savings per dwelling unit as defined by the program; and
[2]
Include an automatically controlled mechanical
ventilation system as required by the program; and
[3]
Comply with the "Combustion Safety Testing Standards
and Procedures for New York Energy Star Labeled Homes" standards,
as tested by an analyst certified by the Building Performance Institute,
or equivalent trained analyst approved by LIPA, prior to issuance
of certificate of occupancy.
(d)
Compliance with requirements.
[Amended 4-1-2008 by L.L. No. 1-2008; 4-7-2009 by L.L. No.
2-2009; 4-6-2010 by L.L. No. 1-2010]
[1]
Commencing on April 1, 2011, prior to the issuance
of a building permit, the applicant shall certify that the dwelling
will comply with all aspects of the program, using either HERS or
Building Option Package method.
[2]
Commencing on April 1, 2011, prior to issuance
of certificate of occupancy, all field verification and testing requirements
of the program shall be met.
A.
Work to remain accessible and exposed. Work shall remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Code Enforcement Officer or by an inspector authorized by the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit holder shall notify the Code Enforcement Officer when any element of work described in Subsection B of this section is ready for inspection.
B.
Elements of work to be inspected. The following elements
of the construction process shall be inspected, where applicable:
(1)
Work site prior to the issuance of a building permit;
(2)
Footing and foundation;
(3)
Preparation for concrete slab;
(4)
Framing;
(5)
Building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(6)
Fire-resistant construction;
(7)
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(8)
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues
or gas vents;
(9)
Energy Code compliance; and
(10)
A final inspection after all work authorized by the
building permit has been completed.
C.
Inspection results. After inspection, the work or
a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or
the permit holder shall be notified as to where the work fails to
comply with the Uniform Code or Energy Code. Work not in compliance
with any applicable provision of the Uniform Code or Energy Code shall
remain exposed until such work shall have been brought into compliance
with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and the Energy
Code, reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed.
A.
Authority to issue. The Code Enforcement Officer is
authorized to issue stop-work orders pursuant to this section. The
Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a stop-work order to halt:
(1)
Any work that is determined by the Code Enforcement
Officer to be contrary to any applicable provision of the Uniform
Code or Energy Code, without regard to whether such work is or is
not work for which a building permit is required, and without regard
to whether a building permit has or has not been issued for such work,
or
(2)
Any work that is being conducted in a dangerous or
unsafe manner in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer, without
regard to whether such work is or is not work for which a building
permit is required, and without regard to whether a building permit
has or has not been issued for such work, or
(3)
Any work for which a building permit is required which
is being performed without the required building permit, or under
a building permit that has become invalid, has expired, or has been
suspended or revoked.
B.
Content of stop-work orders. Stop-work orders shall
be in writing, be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement Officer,
state the reason or reasons for issuance, and, if applicable, state
the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted
to resume.
C.
Service of stop-work orders. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall cause the stop-work order, or a copy thereof, to be
served on the owner of the affected property (and, if the owner is
not the permit holder, on the permit holder) personally or by 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
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 § 55-15, Violations, of this article 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. No building hereafter erected or as to which there
has been a change of ownership shall be used or occupied in whole
or in part until a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued
by the Building Inspector.
[Amended 6-7-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011]
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 and Energy Code and, if applicable,
that the structure, building or portion thereof that was converted
from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another
complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code and Energy
Code. The Code Enforcement Officer or an inspector authorized by the
Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect the building, structure or
work prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy/certificate
of compliance. Applicant shall accompany any application with a current
as-built survey prepared by a licensed surveyor. 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 certificates of occupancy/certificates
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; and
(10)
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
shall be permitted to issue a temporary certificate allowing the temporary
occupancy of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, prior
to completion of the work which is the subject of a building permit.
However, in no event shall the Code Enforcement Officer issue a temporary
certificate unless the Code Enforcement Officer determines: that the
building or structure, or the portion thereof covered by the temporary
certificate, may be occupied safely; that any fire- and smoke-detecting
or fire protection equipment which has been installed is operational;
and that all required means of egress from the building or structure
have been provided. 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 North Haven 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 North Haven shall be identified and addressed in accordance with the procedures established by § 12-4, as now in effect or as 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 by-product, fruit and crop ripening, and waste
handling;
(c)
Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(d)
Buildings containing one or more areas of public
assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(e)
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification
may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined
by resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees.
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.
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 section, and all nonresidential buildings, structures, uses and occupancies not included in Subsection A(1) or (2) of this section, shall be performed at least once every 36 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, or an authorized
agent of such owner, to be inspected;
(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.
C.
OFPC inspections. Nothing in this section or in any
other provision of this article 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 article, or any other local law 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 § 55-15, Violations, of this article;
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 Board of Trustees 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 § 55-13, Recordkeeping, of this article 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 a form prescribed by the Secretary of
State, a report of the activities of this Village 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 Village
is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations, statistics
and other information and accounts of the activities of this Village
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 article.
Upon finding that any such condition or activity exists, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall issue a compliance order. The compliance
order shall be in writing; be dated and signed by the Code Enforcement
Officer; specify the condition or activity that violates the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code, or this article; specify the provision or provisions
of the Uniform Code, the Energy Code, or this article which is/are
violated by the specified condition or activity; specify the period
of time which the Code Enforcement Officer deems to be reasonably
necessary for achieving compliance; direct that compliance be achieved
within the specified period of time; and state that an action or proceeding
to compel compliance may be 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.
C.
Civil penalties. In addition to those penalties proscribed
by state law, any person who violates any provision of the Uniform
Code, the Energy Code or this article, 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 article, shall be liable to a civil penalty
of not more than $200 for each day or part thereof during which such
violation continues. The civil penalties provided by this subsection
shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of this Village.
D.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be
instituted in the name of this Village, 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 article, 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 article. 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 article,
or any stop-work order, compliance order or other order obtained under
the Uniform Code, the Energy Code or this article, an action or proceeding
may be commenced in the name of this Village, in the Supreme Court
or in any other court having the requisite jurisdiction, to obtain
an order directing the removal of the building or structure or an
abatement of the condition in violation of such provisions. No action
or proceeding described in this subsection shall be commenced without
the appropriate authorization from the Board of Trustees.
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 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 § 55-6, Stop-work orders, of this article, in any other section of this article, 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 § 55-7, Stop-work orders, of this article, in any other section of this article, 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 § 381 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 § 381 of the Executive Law.
[Amended 6-7-2011 by L.L. No. 2-2011]
A fee schedule shall be established by resolution
of the Board of Trustees of this Village. 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, firesafety
and property maintenance inspections, and other actions of the Code
Enforcement Officer described in or contemplated by this article.
Any such fee shall be increased by 100% whenever the work subject
to the permit has been started prior to issuance of the permit.
The Board of Trustees may, by resolution, authorize
the Mayor to enter into an agreement, in the name of this Village,
with other governments to carry out the terms of this article, 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.