[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of
the City of Lackawanna5-22-2007 by L.L. No. 1-2007.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also superseded
former Ch. 75, Building Construction, adopted 12-7-1987, 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 City of Lackawanna. 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 § 75-4 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 § 75-7B of this chapter.
The City of Lackawanna.
The Code Enforcement Officer appointed pursuant to § 75-3B of this chapter.
The Code Enforcement Officer and all inspectors.
An order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to § 75-15A 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 § 75-3D of this chapter.
A permit issued pursuant to § 75-10 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.
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 § 75-6 of this chapter.
A certificate issued pursuant to § 75-7D 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, 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, temporary certificates and operating
permits, and to include in building permits, certificates of occupancy,
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, 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 City Council of this
City of Lackawanna;
(9)
To pursue administrative enforcement actions and proceedings;
(10)
In consultation with this City of Lackawanna'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 Mayor. 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 Commissioner of Public Works to serve as Acting Code Enforcement
Officer. The Acting Code Enforcement Officer shall, during the term
of his or her appointment, exercise all powers and fulfill all duties
conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer by this chapter.
D.
One or more inspectors may be appointed by the Mayor
to act under the supervision and direction of the Code Enforcement
Officer and to assist the Code Enforcement Officer in the exercise
of the powers and fulfillment of the duties conferred upon the Code
Enforcement Officer by this chapter. Each inspector shall, within
the time prescribed by law, obtain such basic training, in-service
training, advanced in-service training and other training as the State
of New York shall require for code enforcement personnel, and each
inspector shall obtain certification from the State Fire Administrator
pursuant to the Executive Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
E.
The compensation for the Code Enforcement Officer
and inspectors shall be fixed from time to time by the City Council
of this City of Lackawanna.
A.
Building permits required. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a building permit shall be required for any work which must conform to the Uniform Code and/or the Energy Code, including, but not limited to, the construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, removal, relocation or demolition of any building or structure or any portion thereof, and the installation of a solid-fuel-burning heating appliance, chimney or flue in any dwelling unit. No person shall commence any work for which a building permit is required without first having obtained a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
B.
Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for
work in any of the following categories:
(1)
Construction or installation of one-story detached
structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple
single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage
sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area is
less than 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)
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- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses);
(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 by 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 performed 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 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.
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, also 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 § 75-15, 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 required. A certificate
of occupancy 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.
B.
Issuance of certificates of occupancy. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall issue a certificate of occupancy 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, 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.
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, shall be provided to the Code Enforcement
Officer prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy:
C.
Contents of certificates of occupancy. A certificate
of occupancy 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 is not applicable
to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure
for which the certificate of occupancy 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 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 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 City of Lackawanna 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 the City
of Lackawanna shall be identified and addressed in accordance with
the procedures established by the City Charter and the City 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 Table 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 City Council of this City of Lackawanna.
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 36 months.
(2)
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections of buildings or structures
being occupied as dormitories 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: 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.
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 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 § 75-15, 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, 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 City Council of this City of Lackawanna 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 § 75-13, 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 City of Lackawanna, on
a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, a report of the activities
of this City of Lackawanna 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 City
of Lackawanna is required to maintain, excerpts, summaries, tabulations,
statistics and other information and accounts of the activities of
this City of Lackawanna 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 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 chapter; 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; 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 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, temporary certificate,
stop-work order, operating permit or other notice or order issued
by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of this
chapter, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $200
for each day or part thereof during which such violation continues.
The civil penalties provided by this subsection shall be recoverable
in an action instituted in the name of this City of Lackawanna.
D.
Injunctive relief. An action or proceeding may be
instituted in the name of this City of Lackawanna, 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, 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 City of Lackawanna, 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 Commissioner of Public
Works of this City of Lackawanna.
E.
Remedies not exclusive. No remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be the exclusive remedy or penalty available to address any violation described in this section, and each remedy or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies or penalties specified in this section, in § 75-6, 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 § 75-6, 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 City Council of this City of Lackawanna. 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, 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 City Council of this City of Lackawanna
may, by resolution, authorize the Mayor of this City of Lackawanna
to enter into an agreement, in the name of this City of Lackawanna,
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.
[Added 1-20-2021]
The special uses for which conformance to additional standards
is required by this chapter shall be deemed to be permitted uses in
their respective districts, subject to the satisfaction of all the
requirements and standards set forth herein, and a determination that
they are consistent with the City of Lackawanna's adopted master plans,
including but not limited to in the Comprehensive Plan, and, if applicable,
Brownfield Opportunity Area plans, and any applicable Local Waterfront
Redevelopment Area plan, in addition to all other requirements of
this chapter. All such uses are declared to possess characteristics
of such unique and special forms that each specific use shall be considered
as an individual case.
[Added 1-20-2021]
An area map, at a scale not larger than one inch equals 800
feet, showing the location of the property with respect to surrounding
property, streets and other important features, and a plan for the
proposed development of a site for a permitted special use shall be
submitted with an application for a special use permit. The plan shall
show the location of all buildings, parking areas, traffic access
and circulation drives, open spaces, landscaping, topography, special
features, signage and any other pertinent information, including such
information about neighboring properties which may be necessary to
determine and provide for the enforcement of this chapter.
[Added 1-20-2021; amended 4-7-2024]
A.
Application
for required special permits shall be made to the Department of Code
Enforcement for review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals
before being presented to the Planning and Development Board. If the
intended use is not permitted in a given zoning area, a request for
variance(s) (parking, setbacks, greenspace, etc.) may be considered.
B.
The City of Lackawanna Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Development Board, after public notice and a hearing in the same manner as is required by law, and after receipt of a report from the Department of Development, as provided below, if requested, may authorize the issuance of a permit, provided that it shall find that all of the appropriate conditions and standards in §§ 75-18 through 75-27 have been met.
C.
Such permit
shall run with the land or premises and not to the applicant, owner
or other interested party.
[Added 1-20-2021; amended 4-7-2024]
The Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Development Board
may refer to the Department of Development, a request for a report,
any special permit application.
[Added 1-20-2021]
A special use permit shall be deemed to authorize only one particular
special use. Such permit shall be considered null and void if not
exercised within six months from the date of issue, and all improvements
required for this special use shall be completed within said six-month
period, unless otherwise provided in the Board's approval of said
use.
[Added 1-20-2021; amended 4-7-2024]
A use authorized by special permit granted by the Zoning Board
of Appeals and the Planning and Development Board may be revoked by
the boards which granted the special permit if those boards find and
determine, after a public hearing held in the manner provided for
by law for those boards, that there has been a failure of compliance
with any one of the terms, conditions, limitations and requirements
imposed by said permit.
[Added 1-20-2021]
The Board of Appeals, Town Board or Planning Board, as the case
may be, shall attach such conditions and safeguards to the special
permit as are necessary to ensure continued conformance to all applicable
standards and requirements.
[Added 1-20-2021]
No permit shall be issued for a special use for a property where
there is an existing violation of this chapter, unless the actions
undertaken pursuant to the issuance of the special use permit will
remedy the violations upon completion of the project.
[Added 1-20-2021]
A.
The location
and size of the use, the nature and intensity of the operation involved
in or conducted in connection with it, the size of the site in relation
to it and the location of the site with respect to streets giving
access to it shall be such that it will be in harmony with the appropriate
and orderly development of the district in which it is located.
B.
The location,
nature and height of buildings, walls and fences and the nature and
extent of the landscaping on the site shall be such that the use will
not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent
land and buildings or impair the value thereof.
C.
Operations
in connection with any special use shall not significantly adversely
impact surrounding properties by reason of noise, vibration, excessive
light, smoke, gas, fumes, odor or other atmospheric pollutants than
would be the operations of any permitted uses.
D.
Parking
areas shall be of adequate size for the particular use, properly located
and suitably screened from adjoining residential uses, and the entrance
and exit drives shall be laid out so as to prevent traffic hazards
and nuisances.
E.
The size,
and use, of the property shall not significantly adversely impact
the City's ability to develop a sustainable tax base.
F.
The proposal
will not create excessive additional requirements of public cost for
public facilities and services and will not be detrimental to the
economic welfare of the community.
G.
The proposal
will be served adequately by essential public facilities, such as
highways, streets, police and fire protection, stormwater drainage,
water and sewer and schools, or the applicant for the proposed special
use shall otherwise provide that these services be adequately obtained.
H.
Uses that
cannot fully comply with all the provisions of this section shall
be denied.
[Added 1-20-2021]
A special use shall conform in all respects to all the regulations
of this chapter and, particularly, to those regulations in the schedule
of regulations for the zoning district in which the special use is
located, except that the regulations in the following sections shall
apply when they are more restrictive. Upon petition and referral by
the Planning Board, the City of Lackawanna Zoning Board of Appeals
may reduce applicable area restrictions if determined warranted after
application of § 81-b of the General City Law.
