Alarm systems -- See Ch. 167.
Unsafe buildings -- See Ch. 203.
Electrical standards -- See Ch. 225.
Fire prevention -- See Ch. 235.
Property and building nuisance reform -- See Ch. 315.
Sewers -- See Ch. 339.
Solid waste -- See Ch. 350.
Maintenance and use of streets and sidewalks -- See Ch. 355, Art. I.
Zoning -- See Ch. 410.
The purpose of this code is to establish rules, regulations and enforcement procedures for the maintenance and upkeep of existing housing and property in the City of Binghamton. The code is intended to preserve the City's existing housing stock and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
Whenever the words "dwelling" and "dwelling unit," "rooming house," "rooming unit," "premises" and "structure" are used in this chapter, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words "or any part thereof."
Whenever the phrase "any provision of this chapter" is used in this chapter, it shall be construed as though it were followed by the words "or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto."
Whenever the words "Code Enforcement Bureau" are used, it shall be construed to mean or be equivalent to "Director of Code Enforcement and/or Code Enforcement Inspector."
ATTIC -- The space between the top of the uppermost floor construction and underside of the roof.
BASEMENT -- The portion of a building located partly underground with less than 50% of its floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
BOARD -- The Housing Board of Appeals.
CELLAR -- A portion of a building located partly or wholly underground with at least 50% or more of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
DIRECTOR OF CODE ENFORCEMENT -- The Code Enforcement Officer of the City of Binghamton who is the Chief Administrator of the City of Binghamton's Code Enforcement Bureau.
DWELLING -- Any building, except for temporary housing, which is used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by human occupants.
EMERGENCY SITUATION -- Where the condition of a building, structure, or any part thereof is an imminent, immediate, and substantial danger to the health or safety of occupants and/or the general public. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, fire hazards, falling or dilapidated buildings, structures, or any part thereof, loss of significant water, heat, ventilation, or a lack of sanitary conditions.
EXTERMINATION -- The elimination or control of insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage places or potential harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping or any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved by the Code Enforcement Bureau.
GARBAGE -- The animal or vegetable waste resulting from handling, preparation, cooking and the consumption of food or any other organic decomposable matter.
GRASS MEDIAN -- The area of land that is located between the sidewalk and the curb of the street.
HABITABLE ROOM or HABITABLE FLOOR SPACE -- A room or an enclosed floor space used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes. Areas that shall not be considered habitable space include bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundries, pantries, foyers, communicating corridors or public halls, closets, and storage spaces.
HEARING OFFICER -- The Mayor, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, or any member of the City administration or resident of the City of Binghamton designated in writing for that purpose by the Mayor, excluding any member of the Code Enforcement Department.
INFESTATION -- The presence, within and around a dwelling, of insects, rodents or other pests.
MULTIPLE DWELLING -- Any dwelling containing more than two dwelling units.
OCCUPANT -- Any person, over one year of age, living, sleeping, cooking or eating in or having actual possession of a dwelling unit or rooming unit, unless otherwise provided.
OPERATOR -- Any person who has charge, care or control of a building, or a part thereof, in which units are let.
OWNER -- Any person who, alone or jointly or with others (1) shall have legal title (including through a land contract) to any dwelling or dwelling unit, with or without accompanying possession thereof, or (2) shall have charge, care or control of any dwelling or dwelling unit as either owner or agent of the owner, or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any person thus representing the actual owner according to the definition provided shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter to the same extent were he or she the owner.
PERSON -- Any responsible party, land contractee, individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership or any other similar entity.
PLUMBING -- Includes all of the following supplied facilities and equipment: gas pipes, gas-burning equipment, water pipes, garbage disposal units, waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes-washing machines, catch basins, drains, vents, and any other similar supplied fixtures, together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
RENTAL UNIT -- Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit not solely occupied by the owner.
(3) The willful or negligent curtailment of services required to be given the occupant by law or agreement.
ROOMING HOUSE -- Any dwelling or that part of the dwelling containing one or more rooming units in which space is let by the owner or operator to four or more persons who are not husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father, or sister or brother of the owner or operator.
ROOMING UNIT -- Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit or intended to be used for living and sleeping. Rooming units shall not contain cooking or kitchen facilities and shall not be used for cooking and eating purposes.
RUBBISH -- Combustible or noncombustible waste material except for garbage. "Rubbish" shall include but not be limited to the residue of burning wood, coal, coke and other combustible materials such as rags, paper, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, tree branches, grass and dust.
STRUCTURE -- A combination of materials other than a building that forms a construction that is safe and stable and includes, among other things, stadiums, gospel or circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, staging, observation towers, radio towers, sheds, storage bins, walls, fences and display signs.
SUPPLIED -- Paid for, furnished or provided by or under the control of the owner or operator.
TEMPORARY HOUSING -- Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter which is designed to be transportable and which is not attached to the ground, to another structure, or to any utilities on the same premises for more than 30 consecutive days.
UNOCCUPIED HAZARD -- Any building or part thereof which remains unoccupied for a period of more than six months with either doors, windows or other openings broken, removed, partially boarded or subject to entry; or any building under construction upon which little or no construction work has been performed for a period of eight months or more and which remains open and/or subject to entry.
UNREGISTERED AND/OR UNLICENSED VEHICLES -- Any vehicle, including a tractor and trailer, without a currently valid license plate or plates or which is in either a wrecked, discarded, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned condition and is not in a condition where it may be used on a public highway. An expired inspection sticker or lack of a current inspection sticker shall be presumptive evidence that a vehicle is not in a condition capable of being used on a public highway. Vehicles capable of being driven on a public highway and offered for sale by a automobile dealer duly licensed by the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicles to sell automobiles shall not be considered unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicles when offered for sale at the dealer's place of business as stated in his application for an automobile dealers license to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
§ 265-3. Inspection of dwellings.
The Code Enforcement Bureau is authorized and directed to enter and inspect at all reasonable times, or at such times as may be necessary in an emergency, all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses or units, and premises located within the City of Binghamton both to determine whether such dwellings are in compliance with this chapter and to safeguard the health and safety of the occupants and the general public in accordance with Subsection B.
The Code Enforcement Bureau shall enter and inspect a dwelling, dwelling units or premises, either upon request to and with the permission and at the convenience of the lawful owner, or upon the complaint and/or invitation of an occupant, or by an order of a judge of competent jurisdiction directing that the Code Enforcement Bureau shall have access for the purpose of making the inspection. The Code Enforcement Inspector shall, at the time of his or her inspection, leave a copy of the inspection worksheet with the resident of each specific unit so inspected. Where an immediate threat to health or safety is found in a building that affects more than one unit, a copy of the inspection worksheet shall be forwarded to the residents of the units affected.
The Code Enforcement Bureau is authorized to make application to the Binghamton City Court for the issuance of a search warrant in order to conduct an inspection of any premises covered by this chapter where the owner, tenant or occupant refuses or fails to allow an inspection of his or her rental premises and where there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred. The application for a search warrant shall in all its respects comply with the applicable laws of the State of New York.
Nothing in this section, except for provisions concerning emergency inspections, shall be deemed to authorize the Director of Code Enforcement or the Code Enforcement Bureau to conduct an inspection of any premises subject to this chapter without the consent of the owner, tenant or occupant of the premises or without a warrant duly issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Include a specific statement of the reasons why it is being issued with reference to the sections of this chapter deemed to be violated.
In an emergency situation, the Fire Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement or a Code Enforcement Officer may cause such building, structure or any part thereof to be made safe, remedy, repair or remove the dangerous condition without prior notice to the owner. For this purpose, the Fire Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement and/or a Code Enforcement Officer or his/her designee may at once enter such building, structure, or land on which the violation stands, or abutting land or structure, with such assistance and at such cost as may be necessary. The Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement or a Code Enforcement Officer may order that adjacent structures be vacated and may protect the public by appropriate barricades or such other means as may be necessary and for this purpose may close a public or private way. The costs of making the building, structure, or any part thereof, safe, to remedy, repair, or remove the dangerous condition shall be a liability of the property owner, who will be billed for expenses incurred consistent with the provisions outlined in § 265-13J(2) of this chapter.
Whenever the Fire Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement and/or a Code Enforcement Officer has determined that an emergency situation exists and causes repairs or other costs to the owner without notice, the Fire Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement and/or a Code Enforcement Officer will give the owner written notice of the action taken and the costs thereof within three business days of the emergency situation. The owner may request a hearing before the Office of Corporation Counsel to challenge the emergency situation or the costs. The hearing shall be held within fifteen business days of receiving written demand for the same. The rules of evidence prevailing in courts of record shall not be controlling in the hearings held pursuant to this chapter. Such decision may be appealed as an administrative decision under New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules, Article 78, within thirty (30) days of such written decision by the hearing officer.
In the case of high grass complaints pursuant to § 265-13.H of this chapter, the responsible part shall have 48 hours to correct the violation.
In the case of violations of this chapter for which specific compliance time limitations are cited, those limitations shall apply.
In the case of trash, litter, or garbage violations pursuant to § 265-13.h(1)(c) or § 265-13.I(5), the responsible party shall have 24 hours of the owner, property manager, or occupant receiving notice of such violations to correct the violation.
In the case of repairs that require immediate attention, but do not constitute an “emergency situation”, the owner, property manager, or occupant shall have 24 hours from the date notice of such violation is received to commence work to correct, alleviate or eliminate the violation and 72 hours to reasonably complete such work.
All other violations shall be repaired within five days of the owner, property manager, or occupant receiving notice of such violations except when, for good cause shown, the Fire Marshall, Director of Code Enforcement and/or a Code Enforcement Officer grants an extension of time in writing.
The notice of violation will be served upon, or sent by mail to, the owner, property manager, or occupant, as the case may require. Notice shall be deemed received by the owner, property manager, or an occupant, as the case may be, upon personal delivery or three days in Broome County or five days for other locations after service by first class mail to the address listed on the real property assessment, the registered property manager, if any, and to the subject real property. The City may also post violations on the City’s website for provide additional notice to owners, property managers, and occupants. However, the City’s failure to post such violations on the City’s website is not required and will not constitute a defense to any enforcement proceeding or collection of costs and expenses.
Have a copy retained on file in the Code Enforcement Bureau for inspection by the owner, property manager, occupant, or the general public.
Notices may also contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Should any violations for which a person is cited fail to be corrected within the required time period, the Code Enforcement Director shall be authorized to issue an appearance ticket for such violation, returnable in City Court.
The Director of Code Enforcement of the City of Binghamton shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter during normal working hours and at such time as may be necessary in an emergency.
Lots, plots or parcels of land which are vacant or upon which buildings are located and used for dwellings, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial or storage uses, or whether occupied or vacant.
Residential buildings, including private and multiple dwellings unless specifically excluded.
Buildings of mixed occupancy, occupied in whole or in part.
Commercial, industrial and storage buildings.
Vacant residential, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings.
Residential, mixed occupancy, commercial, industrial and storage buildings which are under construction or demolition. Included here are buildings not completed but to the extent that a nuisance or practice exists or is occurring which is a disturbance to the health, safety or welfare of the general public.
Accessory structures, accessories to dwellings, commercial, industrial or vacant buildings.
Telephone, telegraph or electric poles in the City, fences, sidewalks and public highways.
The provisions of the Plumbing Code (Chapter 310, Article II), the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 235), the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Binghamton (Chapter 410), the Multiple Residence Law of the State of New York, where applicable, the Electrical Code of the City of Binghamton (Chapter 225), along with the National Electrical Code, Chapter 163 of the Code of the City of Binghamton, and any other New York State or local law, ordinance or regulation issued by the proper authorities thereof shall be applicable to all installations, alterations and repairs to buildings, and materials, assemblies and equipment utilized in connection therewith, and shall be enforced through and by the procedures provided herein. All repair and construction work shall be done in a manner acceptable to the Code Enforcement Bureau.
Upon motion of Corporation Counsel, and upon a finding by the Court that justice so requires, the Court may assess an appropriate fine in an amount less than $1,000 and/or may sentence a defendant to an appropriate conditional discharge in lieu of jail.
§ 265-6. Rental registration established. [Amended 12-19-2011 by Perm. L.L. 11-4; Amended 6-6-2012 by Perm. Ord. 12-40; Amended 4-3-2013 by Perm Ord. 13-27; Amended 12-4-2013 by Ord. 13-96].
Intent. In order to properly administer and inspect residential rentals in the City of Binghamton, the City hereby creates a Rental Registration Program for all “Rental Property” and “Rental Units” as defined below, except for a “Dwelling, Two-Unit,” Rental Properties (i.e. two-family houses) where one unit is occupied by the Owner.
Whenever the words “Dwelling”, “Dwelling Unit”, “Premises” and “Structure” are used in this section, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words “or any part thereof”.
BEDROOM – Any room or space used or intended to be used for sleeping purposes, including, but not limited to, any room with an adequate area to accommodate a bed and other furniture associated with a bedroom; privacy (e.g., a door); an emergency exit (e.g., a window); and may include a closet (a closet implies a bedroom, although lack of a closet does not preclude any room or space from being considered a bedroom if it meets the other criteria).
Designed, used or intended to be used exclusively as year-round and complete living quarters for one family or household.
Provides cooking and bathroom faculties and an independent entrance from the outside or from a common hall or entryway.
Meets applicable requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
For purposes of this section a “Dwelling” includes a Dwelling, Earth Sheltered; Dwelling Manufactured Home; Dwelling Modular; Dwelling, Multi-Unit; Dwelling, One-Unit; Dwelling, Townhouse; Dwelling, Two-Unit; as those terms are defined in § 410-5.
For purposes of this section a “Dwelling” does not include a Hotel, Motel, Rooming House, Dormitory, Fraternity, Sorority, Mobile Home, Tourist Home or similar building, as those terms are defined in § 410-5.
LOCAL AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE – A person (or entity) designated by the Owner to manage Real Property or Rental Unit(s). The Local Authorized Representative may be a Owner or a third party. The Local Authorized Representative must maintain a home or business address in Broome County or a contiguous county in New York. The Local Authorized Representative shall be authorized to conduct all business related to the Rental Property or Rental Units(s) and is authorized to accept service of all notices regarding any action or proceeding.
OWNER – Any person who, alone or jointly or with others: (1) shall have legal title (including through a land contract) to any Dwelling or Dwelling unit, with or without accompanying possession thereof, or (2) shall have charge, care or control of any Dwelling or Dwelling unit as either Owner or agent of the Owner, or as executor, executive, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the Owner. Any person thus representing the actual Owner according to the definition provided shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this section to the same extent were he or she the Owner.
RENTAL PROPERTY – The physical structure wherein one or more Rental Units are located.
RENTAL UNIT – Any Dwelling used, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes .
Every Owner of a Rental Property or Rental Unit(s) is required to register each Rental Property/Rental Unit(s) and pay all fees in accordance with this section, except, (i) the Owner of a Two-Unit Dwelling where the Owner occupies one such Dwelling Unit: (ii) the Unites States, State of New York, Broome County or the City of Binghamton, (iii) any Mortgagee in a foreclosure proceeding pending sale, unless such Mortgagee is collecting rents for the Rental Property/Rental Unit, or (iv) any property registered as a vacant property pursuant to § 265-14.
Ownership information, including the Owner’s name, home or business address (post office boxes are not acceptable), telephone number, and email address. If the Owner is a general or limited partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the Rental Registration application must include the names, home or business addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of all of the partners, managers, members, or officers.
A statement, list or dates of any certificates of occupancy, building permits, certificates, and/or approvals in the Owners’ possession authorizing the number of Rental Units, bathrooms, bedrooms and structural medications or additions at the Rental Property. The City may request copies of such documents.
The Application will include an opportunity for the Owner to consent to a Triennial Inspection, as provided in § 265-6.I. below. If the Owner elects not to consent to such Triennial inspection, the application will advise the Owner that the City may apply for a warrant for such inspection.
The Owner must designate a Local Authorized Representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any partner, manager member, or officer, listed in section “(b)” above is authorized to accept service of any notices regarding any action or proceeding.
A separate Rental Registration Application must be submitted for each Rental Property.
Incomplete Rental Registration Applications shall not be accepted and will be returned to the Owner by the City Clerk.
This Record of Rental Registration is subject to confirmation of all registration information with public records, a health and safety inspection, and compliance with all building and zoning laws and regulations. Upon compliance with all the foregoing, the City will issue a Certificate of Compliance. The City shall maintain a database providing such information for each Rental Property/Rental Units.
The Record of Rental Registration will be valid for three (3) years from the last day of the month it is issued. The Owner must re-apply and pay the required fee for a Record of Rental Registration every three (3) years.
The Owner must post the Record of Rental Registration, or a photocopy thereof, in at least one common area accessible to all tenants.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall limit the Office of Building Construction, Zoning and Code Enforcement from issuing a notice of violation for building and zoning laws and regulations and prosecuting same pending such ninety (90) days.
Revocation of a Record of Rental Registration shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
A Record of Rental Registration or the public record may be modified if it is determined that a discrepancy between the existing conditions and the public record is a clerical error.
Change of Owner information or ownership.
The Owner shall notify the City Clerk in writing if there is a change in Owner contact information or a change in the Local Authorized Representative within thirty (30) days of said change.
The Record of Rental Registration is not transferable. If the Rental Property is transferred, the new Owner must submit a complete Rental Registration Application within thirty (30) days of the date the deed transfer is recorded with Broome County. A new Record of Rental Registration will be issued for the term remaining on the existing Record of Rental Registration Permit.
Failure to notify the City Clerk of either a change of ownership information or change of ownership shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance.
This section shall be effective beginning May 1, 2013, for the Urban Overlay District as described in Local Law No. 5 of 2011 Permanent No. LL11-5 adopted on December 19, 2011. Owners in the Urban Overlay District must register their Rental Property/Rental Unit(s) as required by this section on or before September 30, 2013.
This section shall be effective beginning January 1, 2014, for all other zoning districts in the City. Each Owner must register Rental Property/Rental Unit(s) as required by this section on or before such deadlines as the City Clerk may provide by dividing notices to register by zoning districts, water districts, or such other mechanism to provide for an orderly initial registration process through December 31, 2014.
Subsequent to the initial registration process as required in paragraphs (1) and (2) above, the Record of Rental Registration will be valid for three (3) years from the last day of the month it is issued and must be renewed as required by § 265-6.E.(2) above.
In addition to the inspections required by § 265-3, Inspection of Dwellings, all Rental Property/Rental Unit(s) subject to this section are to be inspected at least once every three (3) years.
Inspections will be consistent with the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and will also include an inventory of Rental Units, bathrooms, bedrooms, and other improvements, alterations, or structures for comparison with public records and zoning compliance.
Nothing herein relieves an Owner from obtaining required permits or approvals for any improvements, alterations, or structures and from complying with zoning and other applicable laws. The NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code inspection is for health and safety issues only. Such inspection is not an approval of any improvements, alterations, or structures constructed without a building permit. Such inspection does not constitute compliance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Binghamton. Until all building and zoning issues, including compliance with functional family, are resolved no Certificate of Compliance will be issued.
Upon confirmation of consistency with public records, compliance with all health and safety, building and zoning laws and regulations, the Office of Building Construction, Zoning and Code Enforcement will issue a Certificate of Compliance.
The results of the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code inspection and Certificates of Compliance will be maintained on a database for each Rental Property/Rental Unit(s).
The fee for the initial inspection is included in the Rental Registration fee. If a violation is noted at the initial inspection, the Owner shall have an opportunity to remedy such violation by the next inspection. If the violation is not remedied by the second inspection, then a fee in the amount of $50 will be charged for each additional inspection. If an Owner, Local Authorized Representative, or tenants fails to appear for a scheduled inspection, then a fee in the amount of $50 will be charged for each additional inspection. If an Owner fails to pay the fee for additional inspections within thirty (30) days after written demand for same, then such amount shall be a lien against the Rental Property and may be collected in the same manner as real property taxes.
Violations. It shall be a violation of this Ordinance (i) if the Owner fails to register any Rental Property/Rental Unit(s); (ii) a Record of Rental Registration is revoked; or (iii) the Owner fails to notify the City Clerk of any change in ownership information or ownership; then any person or entity convicted of such violation will be liable for a fine of $250, plus payment of the fees for Rental Registration and inspection, if any, for a first offense; $500, plus payment of the fees for Rental Registration and inspection, if any, for a second offense within one year of the first offense; and $1,000, plus payment of the fees for Rental Registration and inspection, if any, for each offense thereafter within one year of the first offense. Each violation for each Rental Property shall constitute a separate offense.
No individual shall occupy as owner-occupant or let to another for occupancy any rental unit for the purpose of living unless the rental unit complies with all the applicable provisions and requirements of this chapter.
The owner of a rental unit shall be responsible to keep every part of a dwelling and the lot on which it is situated in good repair, clean and free from vermin, rodents, dirt, filth, garbage and other materials dangerous to health (see § 265-15F).
No owner or operator shall cause a dwelling to be sprayed in a manner or with a substance which is inconsistent with state or federal environmental standards for pesticide use in dwellings.
Each occupant whose dwelling is to be sprayed shall be given 48 hours' written notice of the owner's or operator's intention to spray; said notice shall set forth the brand, chemical and/or generic name of the pesticide to be used, as well as the possible consequences of said use, and the precautions which should be taken regarding children, the aged, the infirm, pregnant women, household pets, household plants, food and household goods. Warnings on labels or from manufacturers' warnings will satisfy this requirement.
The owner or operator of a rental unit shall be responsible to maintain all required and supplied facilities and services and all other pieces of equipment in good repair, free from defects, in a clean and sanitary fashion, in good working condition, and operable at all times except in emergencies and for repairs.
No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility which is required under this chapter or supplied to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued from any occupied rental unit except for temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs are in progress, or during emergencies.
No owner or operator shall cause to be rented any dwelling unit for which the occupant pays for all or part of his or her utilities unless said utility service serves only the occupant's unit and is separately metered.
No owner shall cause utilities to be terminated from any dwelling of two units or more unless the owner has provided each rental unit with separate utility services and meters for each such utility to be terminated.
No owner or operator shall cause any utility service which is in his or her name or for which he or she is responsible to be terminated from any dwelling without first giving the occupants of each such dwelling unit notice in writing of 60 days or the duration of the lease, whichever is longer, of his or her intention to terminate service.
All rental housing property owners or agents thereof not residing in said building shall have on file with the Code Enforcement Bureau the name of a person residing in Broome County who can be contacted throughout the calendar year when the owner is not available in cases of emergency.
Maintenance of property in sanitary condition.
Every occupant of a dwelling or a dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling, dwelling unit or premises which he or she occupies and controls.
None of the responsibilities of occupants specified in this section shall relieve the owner of his or her responsibility to maintain those parts of a rental unit which are part of the permanent or semi permanent construction of the unit or dwelling in whole or in part in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition.
The Department of Public Works shall be authorized to enter and clean the property found to be in violation of § 265-9 of this chapter or Chapter 350, Solid Waste, Article II, Littering, of this Code so as to bring it into compliance with all applicable standards and bill the cited code violator for the reasonable cost of such work.
Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall be liable for a code violation as well as for any damage caused by his or her own willful act, omission, assistance, or negligence or that of any member of his or her family, or household guests if such damage results in, or contributes to, a violation of the Code of the City of Binghamton.
In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a judge may, at the time of sentencing, make restitution pursuant to Subsection B(1) of this section a condition of the sentence. If such restitution is ordered, except for good cause shown, it shall be paid within 30 days of the date of the sentence.
Willful failure to comply with such restitution order shall result in a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, or community service not to exceed 100 hours, or both such imprisonment and community service.
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted so as to diminish any other lawful remedy to recover for damages.
Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall keep all plumbing, cooking, electric, and all other fixtures and facilities required by this chapter in a clean and sanitary fashion and shall also be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in the proper use and operation. This liability on the part of the occupant shall not relieve the owner by law except in cases where the defect is caused by the willful act, assistance or negligence of the occupant, any member of his or her family or household or guests.
Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall be responsible to limit the occupancy of that part of the premises which he or she occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by this chapter and other ordinances. The Director of Code Enforcement shall issue a thirty-day notice to correct this situation as a prerequisite to any other enforcement provisions in this chapter.
Every occupant shall keep exits from his or her dwelling unit clear and unencumbered.
No owner, occupant, contractee, mortgagee, designated manager, or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of a building or a part shall threaten to or take reprisal against any occupant who has not committed a breach of the lease of contract of rental, for reporting in good faith of the existence of any violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other applicable laws, statutes, ordinances or regulations, or for, in good faith, availing himself or herself of any legal remedy to secure or enforce rights under his or her lease or agreement, or provided by law.
No owner, occupant, contractee, mortgagee, designated manager, or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of a building or a part thereof shall threaten to or take reprisal against any occupant who lives in a dwelling or dwelling unit where the Code Enforcement Bureau has initiated action by giving notice to the owner or persons responsible for the dwelling because the Bureau believes there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter.
No owner, occupant, mortgagee, designated manager, or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of a building or a part shall threaten to take reprisal against any occupant who has exercised any of his or her rights as described in this chapter.
Receipt of notice to quit the dwelling or an unreasonable rent increase without adequate cause within 120 days after the above occupant or someone in his or her behalf or for his or her benefit (including the Code Enforcement Bureau) has made a report or if the occupant himself has availed himself of remedies against the owner provided by law shall create a rebuttable presumption that the notice to the occupant is a reprisal against the occupant for making a report or complaint or for having availed himself or herself of the remedies against the owner as provided by law.
The defense of retaliatory eviction or reprisal may be raised by the occupant in any eviction action, summary proceeding or other action relating to the right of the occupant to remain in possession of the premises.
Be in violation of any applicable code enforced and actually cited by the Code Enforcement Bureau.
The owner or his or her agent has been sent notice of the emergency situation or of the appropriate violation.
In the case of an emergency situation, the order notice has been delivered by the Code Enforcement Bureau and 24 hours have passed after written notice was delivered to the owner or his or her agent without completion of repairs or commencement of repairs of the violations by the owner.
In the case of any other cited violation, the notice has been delivered by the Code Enforcement Bureau and the allowed reasonable time to correct the violations has passed after written notice was delivered to the owner or his or her agent without completion of repairs or commencement of repairs of the violations by the owner.
Deduction for cost of repair work and materials.
When a legal occupant or group of legal occupants do not hire an outside contractor, they may deduct cost for materials.
If a legal occupant or a group of legal occupants hire an outside contractor to perform repairs, said legal occupants may deduct charges for materials and labor, provided that reasonable efforts are made to have the repair work done by qualified workmen at prevailing rates.
Legal occupants must receive an itemized bill from the person, firm or corporation from whom labor or materials are purchased.
The maximum amount of money an individual legal occupant may deduct for repair work under the provisions of this section shall be $1,000 or the sum of two months' rent, whichever is greater. The maximum amount two or more legal occupants acting together may deduct for repair work from their combined rents under the provisions of this section shall be $3,000 or the sum of three months' rent, whichever is greater.
No owner or agent shall be entitled to recover any amounts in damages from any person, firm, corporation or employee who attempts in good faith and acts reasonably in providing services to carry out the intention of this section except damages arising out of gross negligence.
The remedy provided in this section shall not be exclusive, and a court may provide other relief as may be just and proper in the circumstances.
Any agreement by a legal occupant of a rental unit waiving or modifying his or her rights set forth in this section shall be void and contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
§ 265-9. Minimum space requirements.
Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum of 150 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant and at least 100 additional square feet of floor space for each additional occupant.
For one occupant, contain a minimum of 70 square feet of floor space.
For two or more occupants, contain a minimum of 50 square feet of floor space per occupant.
Every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven feet in at least 50% of the floor area. In cases where the ceiling height is less than three feet, the floor area underneath shall not be considered in determining maximum permissible occupancy.
All habitable space is protected from furnaces, hot water heaters or other plumbing fixtures by the installation of structures to separate these fixtures from the habitable space.
No cellar space shall be used as or considered habitable space.
No attic shall be used as habitable space unless it meets with the applicable provisions of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code.
In this section, each occupant 15 years of age and older shall be counted and calculated as one person; children under 15 shall be 1/2 a person; and infants up to one year shall not be counted.
All owner-occupied and rental units shall be equipped with a smoke detector system or other fire protections that are adequate to give the occupants reasonable notice to exit safely in the event of a fire.
For the purpose of this section, "adequate" shall mean at least one UL-approved smoke detector per bedroom, one outside each sleeping area, and on all levels of the building.
All owner-occupied and rental units shall have at least one safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level.
For the purpose of this section, "safe" shall mean an egress that has an adequate number of handrails properly situated and installed, is adequately lighted, and is equipped with at least one smoke detector on each stairway landing, or more, or other fire protections that are adequate to give the occupants reasonable notice to exit safely in the event of a fire.
In every multiple dwelling three or more stories in height, there shall be at least two independent means of egress accessible on the same story from each apartment or suite. In lieu of a second means of egress, a sprinkler system may be installed in the public halls and stairs.
Every owner of every rental unit shall be responsible to ensure that each unit is safe and secure by providing a lock for each door leading directly into each unit and by providing that all first-floor and basement windows are not capable of being opened from the outside. All locks shall be attached to a door that is in good repair, and the key to the lock of a unit must be given to the occupant of the unit.
Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling containing five or more dwelling units shall be adequately lighted at all times. Every public hall and stairway in structures devoted to dwelling occupancy and containing four or fewer units shall be supplied with conveniently located light switches which control an adequate lighting system that may be turned on when needed.
All two-family structures three or more stories in height must have fire-retardant cellar ceilings and, in cases where the attic area is used solely as a habitable unit, have two independent means of egress. In lieu of a second means of egress, a sprinkler system may be installed in the public halls and stairs.
§ 265-11. Plumbing and water facilities.
Every plumbing fixture required and referred to in this chapter shall be connected to a potable water supply and to a sewer system in a manner to comply with the Plumbing Code (Chapter 310, Article II) and ordinances of the City of Binghamton.
Every dwelling unit shall have supplied water heating fixtures which are properly installed to both hot and cold water lines and which are capable of heating water to at least 120° F. to permit an adequate amount of water and water pressure to be drawn at every refixture in each rental and dwelling unit.
Every dwelling unit shall contain amongst its rooms which afford privacy, by means of an operable door or a flush water closet, a lavatory basin, and a bathtub or shower. However, a lavatory basin may be omitted if existing structural conditions preclude installation.
Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen sink.
Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed and maintained in good, sanitary and working condition, free from defects, leaks and obstructions.
Every bathroom and water closet compartment converted or installed after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms contained in this chapter.
Every water closet compartment floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and to permit it to be kept clean and sanitary.
Every habitable room shall have a minimum of one or more windows or skylights facing directly to the outdoors that are equal to at least 1/8 of the floor surface of the room and are able to be easily opened.
A window shall not be deemed to face directly outdoors or be included as contributing to the required minimum total window area whenever walls or other portions or structures face the window and are located within three feet from the window and extend to the ceiling.
Every habitable room of every dwelling or rental unit shall either possess at least one electrical receptacle for every 20 linear feet of the total distance around the room as measured horizontally along the floor line of the wall type.
Every outlet and fixture shall be properly installed and connected to a source of electric power in a safe manner.
Overcurrent protection. Fuseholders for plug fuses of 30 amperes or less shall not be installed or used unless they are of the type "S" with the adaptor inserted, or of the type "S" construction. Fuses or circuit breakers shall not exceed the wire (conductor) capacity of the circuit.
There shall be at least one lighting circuit for each 500 square feet of floor space and at least one circuit for appliances which is separate from lighting circuits. If only one lighting circuit is in existence, all new additional outlets shall be installed on a new circuit or circuits.
Electrical fixtures, devices, wiring and systems shall be maintained in safe working condition in a manner which will avoid a potential source of ignition or shock. Deteriorated materials and equipment shall be removed and replaced as may be required.
Panel boards (fuse/circuit breaker boxes) shall be kept free from encumbrances and shall be accessible at all times.
In every rental unit, every occupant shall have access to his or her disconnecting means and overcurrent protection at all times, including their utility meters, furnace and hot water tanks, wherever located at all times.
In the absence of a written contract or an agreement to the contrary, the owner or operator shall be responsible for supplying heating facilities which are capable of safely and adequately heating every room in every rental unit to an average minimum temperature of 68° F. when the outside street temperature is below 55° F.
The room temperature shall be measured from at least two distinct locations in the rooms at a distance of three feet from the floor level.
Timing devices, or the use of timing devices, which cause the temperature within a dwelling unit to fall below the minimum temperature set both in Subsection F(1) shall be prohibited.
Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used for ventilation and every other opening to a basement which might provide entry for rodents shall be supplied with a screen or another similar device to prevent their entrance.
From May 1 to October, entrances to residential buildings (other than single-family owner-occupied) shall be provided with a minimum of one self-closing device or screen per room. Windows and other openings, including doors used for ventilation, shall be appropriately screened.
Upon receipt of notice from utility companies that they intend to shut off service to a rented apartment(s) due to lack of payment by the landlord/property owners responsible for said service, the Code Enforcement Bureau will send a notice to the landlord/property owner advising that the discontinuance of utility service to occupied unit(s) without proper notice (see § 265-7F) is a violation of this code. Should a final notice of the intent to discontinue service be received, an appearance ticket shall be issued by the Code Enforcement Bureau to said offender. Should service be discontinued, an emergency order will then be issued.
All interior walls, floors, ceilings and other interior surfaces, including but not limited to trims and sills, in all rental units and public areas shall be free from any defects such as serious leaning, buckling, sagging, cracks or holes that cause the surfaces to be unsanitary, unsafe, or a threat to the normal use and occupation of these areas.
All interior surfaces shall be painted or covered with acceptable covering whenever necessary to keep the surfaces sanitary and free from any and all defects.
Every foundation, floor, wall and ceiling shall be weathertight and rodentproof; shall be capable of affording privacy; and shall be kept in good repair. Ceilings, walls, floors and all public areas shall be free from any serious defects such as severe bulging or leaning, large holes, loose surface material, severe or noticeable movement under normal stress, and missing parts or other serious damage.
All exterior wall structures, doors, basement hatchways, and windows shall be maintained to prevent excessive heat loss during the winter months by the installation of insulation, weather stripping, or other devices reasonably calculated to prevent excessive loss. Where excessive heat loss is preventable by the use of other methods than permanent storm windows or factory-produced energy efficient windows, the property owner shall initiate a request to the Housing Board of Appeals. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to demonstrate that the proposed solution shall be compliant with state fire and building codes and demonstrate sufficient insulating value without the loss of minimum ventilation and provide access to the exterior in cases of emergency. If the tenant pays for the heat, the storm windows shall be provided from October 1 to May 1.
The roof structure shall be firm, weather tight and watertight.
Every structure or dwelling which has a controlled method of disposal of water from roofs such as gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair.
Every inside and outside stair, porch and appurtenance shall be constructed and maintained to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may place on it. Guardrails, at least 33 inches in height with openings between balusters or balustrades no greater than six inches, shall be provided on all open postings of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells where there are four or more steps or where more than 33 inches above surrounding ground or floor level. Stairs less than 44 inches in width shall be provided with a handrail on at least one side, and if 44 inches or more in width, on both sides; said handrails shall be started at the first tread, both top and bottom, and shall have no obstruction tending to break a handhold.
All exterior surfaces, including chimneys and accessory buildings, shall be repaired, painted, coated, treated, sealed, pointed, sandblasted, or chemically cleaned or sealed when the surfaces require the above-stated maintenance to prevent or retard deterioration or weathering, to avoid health or safety hazards, or to promote an attractive appearance and prevent a substantial depreciation to the integrity of the neighborhood.
Residential, commercial and industrial buildings and properties, whether vacant or occupied, and accessory structures, shall be maintained in conformity with the provisions of this chapter to promote an attractive appearance, prevent a substantial depreciation to the integrity of the neighborhood, or prevent health or safety hazards.
Fences and other minor construction shall be maintained in a safe, substantial and attractive condition.
Steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained free of holes or other hazards and be maintained to afford safe passage under normal use.
Yards, courts, vacant lots and grass medians shall be kept trimmed and mowed, with the height of grass and weeds being no more than 10 inches, and clean and free of physical hazards, rodent harborage and infestation. They shall be maintained in a manner that will prevent dust and other particles from being blown about the neighborhood, such as by the planting of grass.
Open wells, cesspools or cisterns shall be securely closed or barricaded from access to the public.
Heavy undergrowth and accumulations of plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to health shall be eliminated. Any trees or portions located on private property and constituting a hazard to persons or property shall be trimmed or removed.
An unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicle may not be parked stored or left in the open, whether behind a fence or not, unless it is necessary for the operation of a licensed auto repair business, lawfully situated on the property where the vehicle is stored, as permitted by applicable zoning regulations and state and/or local law, or lawfully situated on the property pursuant to a special permit issued hereunder for the purpose of accommodating valid police agency removal orders issued by the City of Binghamton Police Department. But in no case shall the number of unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicles permitted in the open at a licensed auto repair business exceed a number equal to the number of repair bays located on that property. Any other unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicle or vehicles must be relocated to a completely enclosed garage or be removed from the property.
A person or company may apply from the City Clerk for a special permit allowing that person or company to store additional vehicles on property within the City of Binghamton if such storage is at the request or order of local law enforcement or municipal request or if necessary as per any New York State insurance laws.
The City Clerk is hereby authorized to adopt reasonable rules pertinent to the granting of said permit and/or revocation of a permit granted thereunder, and is authorized to issue the permit and revoke permits.
The fee for this permit shall be as set from time to time by the City Council (See Exhibit J).
Second offense within one year of first offense: fine of $50 per vehicle.
Third offense within one year of second offense: fine of $75 per vehicle.
Fourth offense within one year of third offense: fine of $100 per vehicle.
Fifth offense within one year of fourth offense: Judge's discretion.
No unsightly furniture shall be placed or stored on an outside porch, yard and/or lawn of a property for any longer than is necessary to allow for its collection by a refuse handler. Furniture is unsightly when it is shredded, worn, discarded, torn, has stuffing visibly protruding from beneath the exterior, or is attracting or housing vermin.
Subsection H(1)(a) through (g) of this section are intended to be for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
The owner shall cause his or her sidewalk to be kept free of obstructions and in good repair and conditions and safe for public use.
In the event that sidewalks become out of grade (a heave, movement or settlement greater than one inch), the owner shall bring the same into true grade.
Where the owner shall fail or neglect to repair any sidewalk or bring the same to true grade within 45 days as determined by the Code Enforcement Bureau, the sidewalk shall be repaired or brought to grade by the Department of Public Works, and a bill for the expenses incurred shall be presented to the owner and collected in accordance with §§ 91 and 92 of the Second Class Cities Law of the State of New York. The bill presented to the owner shall include all City expenses, material and contractor costs.
The accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks must be removed within 24 hours after said accumulation ceases. In the event of noncompliance, the Code Enforcement Director may direct the Department of Public Works to clean said sidewalks, and a bill shall be presented to the owner as per Subsection I(3).
In addition, the owners of commercial properties in areas defined as business or commercial districts under Chapter 410, Zoning, of the Code of the City of Binghamton, shall be required to maintain the sidewalk(s) abutting their property free of litter, trash and garbage and shall provide trash receptacles into which their patrons may dispose of all litter, trash and/or garbage generated by the provision of services or goods to their patrons.
GARBAGE -- Any accumulation of waste consisting of animal, vegetable, fruit or similar organic matter that attends the preparation, use, dealing in, storage of, or sale of meat, fish, fowl, fruit, breads, vegetables or other food products; metal containers, paper cartons or other containers that have contained food materials and beverages; discarded paper, rubber, cloth, leather, sweepings, as well as inorganic waste such as glass, porcelain or other similar waste materials that ordinarily accumulate around a home, business or industry.
LITTER -- Any quantity of uncontainerized paper, metal, plastic, glass or miscellaneous solid waste, including, but not limited to, cigarette butts; paper products; plastic cups, containers, wrappers or other plastic debris; glass and bodily fluids or waste, human or otherwise.
(b) For the purpose of this subsection, the term "properly dispose" shall not include disposal of the trash by placing it in the public trash receptacles provided by the City of Binghamton.
(c) Because all property owners are required to keep the their sidewalk free of obstructions, no receptacle required by this subsection shall be placed on the public sidewalk, except upon the issuance of a street work permit. Instead, all such receptacles shall be maintained inside the business establishment.
Whenever an owner of a property fails to comply with a notice by the Code Enforcement Bureau to cut and remove grass, heavy undergrowth or accumulations of plant growth on the property which constitute physical hazards, rodent harborages or places of infestation, or garbage or trash in violation of Subsection H(1)(c) or (3), the Director of Code Enforcement may direct that the grass, heavy undergrowth or accumulations of plant growth be cut and removed or such trash and garbage be removed from the property by the Department of Public Works.
A bill for the expenses incurred, in addition to an administrative fee as set from time to time by the City Council (See Exhibit J), shall be presented to the owner of the property, personally or by mailing it to him or her at his or her last known address. If the owner fails to pay within 10 days, the Director of Code Enforcement shall certify to the City Treasurer the expenses incurred and the administrative fee, and the total amount of the expenses plus the administrative fee shall become a lien. The lien upon the property shall be included in the next tax bill rendered to the owner, unless paid before, and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes against the property. The bill presented to the owner shall include all City expenses, material and contractor costs.
In addition to the enforcement set forth in Subsection J(1) and (2) above, the violator may be cited by means of an appearance ticket returnable in City Court, where the imposition of further penalties pursuant to § 265-5D above may be sought.
Surface and subsurface water shall be directed so as not to impact adjacent buildings and properties or create ponding situations. Runoff shall not be drained over sidewalk areas.
Legislative findings and purpose. It is the finding of the Common Council that vacant buildings are unsightly, unsafe, and have a negative effect on the community. Unfortunately, many buildings, once vacant, remain that way for years. The purpose of this article is to establish a program for identifying and registering vacant buildings, to set forth the responsibilities of owners of vacant buildings, and to speed the rehabilitation of vacant buildings.
EMERGENCY SITUATION—Where the condition of a building, structure, or any part thereof is an imminent, immediate, and substantial danger to the health or safety of occupants, emergency responders, and/or the general public. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, fire hazards, falling or dilapidated buildings, structures, or any part thereof, loss of significant water, heat, ventilation, or a lack of sanitary conditions.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER—Any duly authorizing City of Binghamton employee of the Office of Building and Construction, Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office, or designated representative of Planning, Housing and Community Development.
OWNER—The person, persons, or entity shown to be the owner or owners on the records of the City of Binghamton Department of Assessment, those identified as the owner or owners on a vacant building registration form, a mortgagee in possession, a mortgagor in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, administrator, trustee, lessee, other person, firm or corporation in control of the premises. Any such person will have joint and several obligations for compliance with the provisions of this article.
SECURED BY OTHER THAN NORMAL MEANS—A building secured by means other than those used in the design and approved plans for the building.
UNOCCUPIED—A building or portion thereof which lacks the habitual presence of human beings who have a legal right to be on the premises, including buildings ordered vacated by an enforcement officer. In determining whether a building is unoccupied, the Enforcement Officer may consider these factors, among others: (i) whether lawful residential or business activity has ceased; (ii) the percentage of the overall square footage of the occupied to unoccupied space or the overall number of occupied and unoccupied units; (ooo) the building is substantially devoid of contents or the minimal value of fixtures or personal property in the building; (iv) the building lack utility services; (v) the building is subject to a foreclosure action; (vi) duration of vacancy; and/or (vii)the presence or reoccurrence of code violations.
UNSECURED—A building or portion of a building which is open to entry by unauthorized persons without the use of tools or ladders.
(f) Unoccupied for a period of time over 30 days.
The owner of a vacant building will register with the Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office no later than 30 days after any building becomes a “vacant building,” as defined above, or not later than 30 days after being notified by an Enforcement Officer of the requirement to register. An Enforcement Office may identify vacant buildings through his/her routine inspection process as well as through notification by residents, neighborhood associations and other community groups that a building may be eligible for inclusion on the registry. Notice will be served upon, or sent by mail to, the owner, and any registered property manager, and to the property address. Notice will be deemed received by the owner, property manager, or an occupant, as the case may be, upon personal delivery or three days in Broome County or five days for other locations after service by first class mail. The City may also post notices on the City’s website to provide additional notice to the public. However, the City’s failure to post such violations on the City’s website will not constitute a defense to any enforcement proceeding or collection of fines.
As part of the notice to register, the Enforcement Officer may provide the owner with a written referral to the Office of Economic Development, the Binghamton local Development Corporation, and the Planning, Housing, and Urban Renewal for information outlining programs available which may be useful to implement a rehabilitation plan.
A description of the premises, i.e., square footage, number of stories, age of the building, and most recent use of the building.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner or owners. If the owner is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the address for each director, manager, or partner, as the case may be. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable.
If the owner does not reside in Broome County or any adjoining New York county, the name and address of the registered property manager as required by § 265-6, Registration of rental housing units; certificates of compliance. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable.
The names and addresses of all known lien holders and all other parties with an ownership interest in the building. Each address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable.
A name, address, and telephone number of a responsible natural person (not a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company) who can be reached at all times during business and non-business hours. The address must include a street address; a post office box is not acceptable.
A vacant building plan as described in Subsection 4 below.
If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan indicating the proposed time frame for demolition.
If the building is to be returned to appropriate occupancy or use, rehabilitation plans for the building. The rehabilitation plans will not exceed 365 days from the date of submission and will include progress benchmarks at least every four (4) months, unless the Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office grants an extension for good cause shown, upon receipt of a written statement from the owner detailing the reasons for the extension. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable zoning, housing, historic preservation or building codes. The building must be secured in accordance with § 265-14.D below during the rehabilitation.
The owner will comply with all applicable laws and codes. The owner will notify the Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office of any changes in information supplied as part of the vacant building registration within 30 days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revisions must be in writing and must meet the approval of the Enforcement Officer.
The owner and any subsequent owner will keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained as provided in § 265-14.D below.
Failure of the owner or any subsequent owner to maintain the building and premises as required herein will be grounds for the City (i) to remediate the building and bill the costs of same to the owner as provided in § 265-13.J(2), Maintenance of property; (ii) revoke the rehabilitation plans; and (iii) the owner will be subject to fees and penalties as provided herein.
The owner will notify the Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office of any transfer of ownership within fifteen (15) days of transfer. The new owner will comply with the approved plan and timetable submitted by the previous owner until any proposed changes are submitted and approved by the Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office.
The owner of a vacant building will pay a registration fee set by City Counci (See Exhibit J). The registration fee is due and payable upon registration; to wit: no later than thirty (30) days after any building becomes a “vacant building,” as defined above, or no later than thirty (30) days after being notified by an Enforcement Officer of the requirement to register.
If the building is to remain vacant pursuant to § 265-14.C.4(b) above, then the owner will also pay an annual vacant building fee (See Exhibit J) until the building is properly demolished or rehabilitated. The annual vacant building fee is due and payable together with the registration fee and on each anniversary thereafter until the building is demolished or rehabilitated.
annual vacant building fee is payable either on each anniversary of the payment of the registration fee in (a) above or no later than fifteen (15) days after being notified by an Enforcement Officer that the owner has failed to meet a required benchmark, whichever date is earlier, and on each anniversary thereafter until the building is demolished or rehabilitated.
If the owner of a vacant building fails to register and pay the fees in a timely manner, then the owner will be subject to the penalty set forth in § 265- 14.H below.
All delinquent fees will be paid by the owner prior to any transfer of an ownership interest in any vacant building. The owner will give a purchaser written notice that the building in question is a vacant building under this section.
The vacant building registration fees and annual vacant building fees as set forth in § 265-14.C.9 above are to be delivered, by mail or in person, to the Treasurer’s Office, City Hall, 38 Hawley Street, Binghamton, New York 13901. A late charge of 1 ½ % per month or any part thereof, will be assessed on any invoice which is unpaid after thirty (30) days from the date of the demand for payment or an invoice. A $25.00 processing fee will be charged for each check returned by the bank due to insufficient funds or other reason. A replacement payment must be made in cash, money order, bank or certified check, and must include the $25.00 fee and any applicable late charges. Invoices and any additional fees that remain unpaid will be added to the property owner’s tax bill, and will include an additional penalty of $200.00.
The Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office will include in the file any property-specific written statements from community organizations, other interested parties or citizens regarding the history, problems, status or blighting influence of a vacant building.
The owner of a vacant building will take such steps and perform such acts as may be required of him or her from time to time to ensure that the building and its grounds remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to the adjoining property or the public. Owners will be responsible for maintaining their buildings and structures so that they do not become an unoccupied hazard. In any building or floor area that is vacant or about to become vacant, there will be at least one access which meets the approval of the Enforcement Officer.
Exterior walls, including foundations, will be maintained so that water does not penetrate into basements, cellars, or other interior areas. All exterior walls and foundations must be free of holes and crevices.
Exterior doors, windows, skylights and similar opening will be maintained weather tight.
Roofs shall be maintained in a weather tight condition.
The coverings for windows and doors with glass may not consist of any substance sprayed onto the glass doors or windows. All enclosures shall be properly fitted and be of such material and surface that they are neither unsightly nor will materially detract from the general appearance of the building or the neighborhood and, when possible, secured by normal means.
The covering for broken doors and cracked or broken windows may consist of replacement glass, plexiglass, boards, plywood or similar materials finished and maintained in a manner recommended and approved by the Enforcement Officer. The materials will be designed and of such color to blend in with the finish of the building.
Windows that are not cracked or broken may be covered with interior blinds, curtains, shades, or decorative paper.
The premises will be kept free of insects and vermin, and will be treated if necessary.
Any excavations, swimming pools, or other attractive nuisance must be filled in or properly closed.
Any and all first floor windows will be replaced by glass, plexiglass, an approved mural, or announcement sign. Such coverings must be maintained.
All exterior signs, awnings and lighting systems, if not removed, shall be maintained in a non-deteriorated and safe condition.
Structural members will be maintained to resist and prevent deterioration.
Unheated attics, spaces below flat roofs, and crawl spaces will be ventilated to minimize deterioration.
Ceilings, walls, floors and stairways will be maintained in a safe and sound condition.
The owner will not permit garbage and refuse to accumulate.
Refrigerators and similar equipment with locking mechanisms will not be discarded, abandoned or store without first removing the locking devices or the hinges of the doors.
Junked vehicles as defined in § 265-2, equipment, or materials will not be stored at the premises.
Chimneys, smokestacks, flues, gas vents, smoke pipes and connectors will be maintained structurally safe and smoke tight.
If the building is to be demolished or remain vacant, then, within ten (10) days of registering the building as a vacant building, all fuel gas, water, and utilities must be disconnected at the mains and water pipes drained. If the building is going to be rehabilitated, then the building must be heated to avoid freezing pipes, fuel gas pipe systems must be maintained gastight, safe and operative condition, and water pipes must be maintained to avoid leaks and/or breakage.
Fuel tanks will be maintained so as not to be a hazard or will be discontinued in a manner consistent with Chapter C of the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (9 NYCRR).
The domestic water supply system of the building will be connected to an approved source, will not be subject to contamination and will not be connected to unsafe water supplies or the system will be disconnected at the main and completely drained.
Storm water drainage systems will be maintained so as to function properly and be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects. Sewage systems will be similarly maintained or will be sealed so as to prevent accumulation of sewage gases in buildings.
Electrical fixtures, devices, wiring and systems will be maintained in safe working condition in a manner which will avoid a potential source of ignition or shock or service will be discontinued at the supply.
Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators will be maintained or taken out of service, in accordance with ANSI A17.1.
The owner will provide for snow removal as required by § 265-13.I(4).
The owner will maintain yards and vacant lots trimmed and mowed, with the height of grass and weeds being no more than 10 inches, and clean and free of physical hazards, rodent harborage and infestation as required by § 265-13.H.
Whenever the owner of a vacant building fails to comply with a notice from an Enforcement Officer to take steps and perform acts as are required of him or her to ensure that a building and its adjoining yards remain safe and secure and do not present a hazard to adjoining property in violation of subsection 2 above, the City may, pursuant to § 265-4, Enforcement, enter onto the building and the property and take steps and perform acts to render the building and its adjoining yards safe , secure and free from hazards to adjoining property and public. These acts will include but not be limited to removal of dangerous conditions, properly replacing or boarding up windows and doors, shutting off utilities, capping plumbing to prevent leakage of water or sewer gas, or removing flammable or otherwise hazardous materials and debris. A bill for the expenses incurred above will be presented to the owners of the building consistent with the provisions outlined in § 265-4 and § 265-13.J(2) of this chapter.
The reason for an exemption.
The names and addresses of the owner or owners. A post office box is not acceptable.
Inspections. By registering a vacant building, an owner consents to an Enforcement Officer inspecting the premises for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this article. Upon the request of the Enforcement Officer, an owner will provide access to all interior portions of a vacant building in order to permit a complete inspection. Nothing contained herein, however, will diminish the owner's right to insist upon the procurement of a search warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction by the Enforcement Officer or his or her designee in order to enable such inspection, and the Enforcement Officer will be required to obtain a search warrant whenever an owner refuses to permit a warrantless inspection of the premises after having been advised of his or her constitutional right to refuse entry without same. In the case of an emergency this section will not apply.
Annual reports. Once a year, the Office of Buildings and Construction or Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal’s Office will send to the Mayor and to the Common Council a list of all buildings in the City declared vacant under the provisions of this article, as well as a list of all previously declared vacant buildings which are no longer subject to the provisions of this article. This information may be published on the City’s website.
The term "person," as used in this section, will include the owner, occupant, mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, administrator, trustee, lessee, agent or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of the building or part thereof.
Each day of violation will be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
Fines levied will constitute civil forfeitures to the City of Binghamton.
Every rental unit shall have adequate rubbish and garbage storage facilities of a kind sufficient to meet the requirements of the Department of Public Works and the county health department for garbage and rubbish collection and disposal.
Every dwelling unit shall have adequate garbage disposal facilities or garbage storage containers.
For the purposes of this chapter, a minimum of one twenty-gallon garbage container or its equivalent per dwelling unit shall be deemed to be adequate garbage disposal facilities.
Every occupant of a rental unit shall dispose of all his or her garbage and other organic waste in garbage disposal facilities or garbage storage containers. It shall be the owner's responsibility to supply facilities or containers for all rental units.
It shall be prohibited to store or accumulate garbage, debris or refuse in public halls, porches or stairways. All garbage, debris and refuse shall be disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner.
No refrigerator may be discarded, abandoned or stored in a place accessible to children without first removing any locking devices or the hinges of the door or the door itself.
Extermination of insects; rodents and other pests.
Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single rental unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests on the premises unless the occupant establishes that the infestation predated his or her tenancy or was caused by factors outside his or her control.
Every occupant of a dwelling in which there is more than one rental unit shall be responsible for extermination whenever his or her unit is the only one infested unless the occupant establishes that the infestation predated his or her tenancy or was caused by factors outside of his or her control.
Whenever infestation exists in two or more of the units in any dwelling, or in shared or public areas, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to exterminate when there is infestation.
A tenant shall be free from the responsibility to exterminate when the infestation is caused by the failure of the owner to maintain the dwelling in a rodentproof or reasonably insectproof condition.
If an occupant or tenant is not responsible to cure the infestation by any reason set forth above, then the owner of the building will be responsible to exterminate the infestation.
All other single-family dwellings, commercial buildings or other structures in which insects, rodents or other pests are found will be promptly exterminated by the owner, including the City, by an approved process which will not be injurious to human health and which will be implemented to limit the spread of such insects, rodents or other pests to other properties. After extermination, proper precautions will be taken to prevent reinfestation.
In the event of any violation of this section, the occupant, tenant or owner, including the City, as the case may be, will be responsible for the costs to exterminate the infestation to his or her property, as well as any other property infested as a result of the infestation of his or her property, together with penalties pursuant to § 1-4, General penalty; continuing violations, except the City will not be responsible for any fine. If the occupant, tenant or owner, as the case may be, fails or refuses to exterminate the premises after written notice to the address on the City's assessment roll and three days to cure, the City may provide for such extermination and the costs, including all litigation expenses and reasonable attorney's fees, will be a charge payable by the owner, and may be collected in either a civil proceeding before the City Court or Supreme Court; or, in the alternative, the costs may be added to and collected in the same manner as real property taxes.
Prior to the demolition of any building, the owner, including the City, or its designated contractor will conduct an inspection of the premises, when physically possible, to determine the presence of insects, rodents or other pests. If insects, rodents or other pests are identified, then the premises will be treated for such insects, rodents or other pests prior to demolition. Provided the owner takes reasonable steps to treat the premises, then the owner will not be liable for the spread of insects, rodents or other pests. However, if the owner fails or refuses to exterminate the premises after written notice to the address on the City's assessment roll and three days to cure, then City may provide for such extermination and the costs, including all litigation expenses and reasonable attorney's fees, will be a charge payable by the owner, and may be collected in either a civil proceeding before the City Court or Supreme Court; or, in the alternative, the costs may be added to and collected in the same manner as real property taxes.
No garbage or rubbish designated for disposal shall be placed at the curbline earlier than the evening preceding the normal garbage collection day.
One which, by reason of its failure to comply with the foregoing requirements of this chapter, is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or the public.
One which lacks illumination, ventilation or sanitation required by this chapter so as to protect adequately the health or safety of the occupants or of the public.
Service contents. An order designating the premises as unfit for human habitation shall be served upon the owner personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and to all occupants personally or by regular mail, and posted in a conspicuous place on the building. The order of designation shall set forth the reasons for the designation and specify the time, date and place of the hearing to be held on the matter. The notice to the occupants must set forth the occupants' right to be heard at the hearing, the possible consequences of the hearing, including that the building may be closed and the occupants required to vacate by a particular date, if known.
Hearing. A hearing shall be held within seven days of service upon the owner to review the designation as unfit by the Director. A hearing officer shall be appointed by the Mayor to preside. The owner, occupants and any other interested parties may appear and give testimony. The hearing officer, after considering all the evidence, may sustain, modify or revoke the order of the Director designating the premises as unfit for human habitation.
Decision. The decision of the hearing officer shall be in writing and mailed to all interested parties. It shall specify the reasons for sustaining, modifying or revoking the designation of the Director. Any premises condemned as unfit for human habitation, and so designated, shall be placarded and vacated within the time ordered by the hearing officer.
Reoccupation. No rental unit which has been condemned and placarded as unfit for human habitation shall again be used for human habitation until written approval is secured from the Director of Code Enforcement stating that the defect or defects upon which the condemnation and placarding action were based have been corrected.
No person shall deface or remove the placard from any rental unit which has been condemned as unfit for human habitation and placarded except as provided for in Subsection E above.
No person shall operate a rooming house or shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any rooming unit in any rooming house unless it is in compliance with the provisions of this and every section of this chapter except for those § 265-12B, C and D that refer to water facilities and plumbing.
Whenever upon inspection of any rooming unit or house the Code Enforcement Bureau finds that conditions or practices exist which it believes are in violation of any provision of this chapter or any other law or ordinance which is applicable, the Code Enforcement Bureau shall give notice of the violation according to the provisions outlined in § 265-4 of this chapter.
Every rooming house shall have supplied water heating fixtures which are properly installed to both hot and cold water lines and which are capable of heating water to at least 120° F. to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required fixture in the rooming house.
There shall be a minimum of one flush water closet, lavatory basin, and a shower supplied for each six persons or fraction residing within the rooming house, including the owner's family when they share the facilities. In rooming houses where rooms are let only to males, a maximum of 50% of the required water closets may be flush urinals. All facilities shall be accessible from common halls or passages, and facilities may not be located in the basement or cellar.
All bathroom facilities shall be cleaned and disinfected at least twice per week, and all shared kitchen facilities shall be cleaned and disinfected at least once per week.
The operator of every rooming house shall change supplied bed linen and towels at least once per week and prior to letting of any room to any occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied bedding in a clean and sanitary manner.
The operator of every rooming house shall be responsible for the sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors and ceilings as well as the sanitary maintenance of every other part of the entire premises in conformity with the minimum requirements of this chapter.
Every provision of this chapter which applies to rooming houses shall apply to hotels except to the extent that any provision that conflicts with the laws of this state or with the lawful regulations of any state board or agency.
Any person found guilty of violating or assisting in the violation of any provisions in §§ 265-16 and 265-17 of this chapter, or any person who shall have been served with a written order of the hearing officer and who shall fail to comply with the order, shall be guilty of a violation and liable for a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than 15 days, or both.
Any person found guilty of violating or assisting in the violation of any provision in §§ 265-16 and 265-17 of this chapter or any person who shall have been served with a written order of the hearing officer and who shall fail to comply for the second or more time in a two-year period shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable for a fine of not less than $500 nor $2,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or both.
Except as provided for in §§ 265-6 of this chapter and Subsections A and B above, whenever a person has been convicted three or more times for the violation of any provision of this chapter within five years, such person shall be punished by a fine of $1,000 and may additionally be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 15 days' incarceration, except as provided for by Subsection D.
Inspection fees for multiple inspections and repeat offenders.
Multiple inspections for one violation.
In the event an appearance ticket is issued and a court date determined, there shall be no fee charged for the first inspection after the arraignment.
For each subsequent inspection finding noncompliance a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) inspection fee shall be charged.
Inspection fees for repeat offenders.
This section applies to any person receiving multiple orders to remedy or notices of violation within a twelve month period.
This ordinance includes but is not limited to violations of the following Binghamton City Code provisions: §§ 265-7, 265-8, 265-13, and 350-18.
In the event that an inspection does not reveal the existence of a violation, there shall be no fee charged for the inspection.
The inspection fees prescribed above shall be billed directly to the tenant or owner, as the case may be, and a copy mailed to the owner and/or contact person/agent of the property. Inspection fees shall be increased by fifty (50) percent when not paid within thirty (30) days after initial billing, to cover administrative costs. This subsection shall not be considered the exclusive method of collecting inspection fees and shall not preclude collection by other lawful methods. If unpaid after thirty (30) days, the costs may be added to and collected in the same manner as real property taxes.
Every notice of violation and order to correct housing code violations shall contain a clear and conspicuous explanation of the policy in this section requiring fees for inspections or a copy of this section.
The Fire Marshall/Director of Code Enforcement, and code enforcement officers designated by the Director, may waive an inspection fee in case of error, mistake, injustice, or other good cause.
For a first conviction: a fine of not less than $25.
For a second conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $50.
For a third conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $150 and/or a minimum of five days in jail.
For a fourth conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $500 and a minimum of five days in jail.
For a fifth conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $1,000 and 15 days in jail.
For a first conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C, a fine of not less than $250.
For a second conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C within any twelve-month period, a minimum penalty of $500.
For a third conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C within any twelve-month period, a minimum penalty of $1,000, and violators may additionally be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 15 days' incarceration.
The enhanced penalties for multiple convictions within a five-year period as set forth in Subsection C of § 265-18 shall also apply to all convictions subject of Subsections C and D of this section.
Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Court from, in its discretion, imposing an appropriate amount of community service in lieu of the penalties described in Subsections B and D, or in addition to said penalties. The appropriate amount of community service shall be not less than five hours per $25 worth of the mandatory minimum fines enumerated in Subsection B hereinabove.
In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance or code of the City of Binghamton existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of health and safety of the people shall prevail. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other ordinance or code of the City of Binghamton existing on the effective date of this chapter which establishes a lower standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the people, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to prevail; and the other ordinances or codes are declared to be repealed to the extent that they may be found to be in conflict with this chapter.
Notwithstanding the availability of other remedies for enforcement of the provisions contained in this chapter, the Building Code (Chapter 200), Plumbing Code (Chapter 310, Article II), Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 235) and Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 410) of the City of Binghamton, and in other state and local laws, ordinances or regulations enforced by the Department, the remedies and enforcement procedures set forth in this chapter are made available to enforce the provisions of the above-enumerated codes and laws and shall be deemed cumulative to other enforcement procedures and remedies.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, the decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect; and to this end the provisions are declared to be severable.
The ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall take effect 45 days from the date of its adoption.
§ 265-22. Authorization to implement policies.
The Director of Code Enforcement Department or his or her designee is hereby authorized to implement internal policies/rules/regulations for dealing with owners of slum properties.
§ 265-23. Utilization of policies.
Said internal policies/rules/regulations should be utilized only for the purpose of securing compliance with the City of Binghamton Housing Property Maintenance and Rehabilitation Code.
§ 265-24. Proper content and form required.
All internal policies/rules/regulations should be in proper content and form to the Office of Corporation Counsel.